APRIL 18, 2016 TheHow to be an accountant OMMENTATORKey Career Guidance For Volume LXXXI CThe Independent Student Newspaper of College, Sy , and • www.yucommentator.org Issue 9 YCDS Goes Off-Script, Produces Witty and Tragic Original Play: A Review Of I’ll Be Right Here

By Tzvi Levitin

For the first time in its , the Yeshiva College Dramatics Society presents a play entirely written, scored, and, of course, produced, by Yeshiva Univer- sity students. I’ll Be Right Here: A Modern Political Tragedy, written by Yeshiva College junior Etai Shu- chatowitz, explores the tragic downfall of a charming and promising presidential hopeful, and poses impor- tant questions about friendship, loyalty, and glory. The play opens with chief of staff Thomas Greene (Yadin Teitz) reeling from the shocking death of Sena- tor David Peters (Matis Axel) and being interviewed by a police officer (David Cutler) investigating Peters’ presumed suicide. We learn that Peters had been a well-liked politician until scandal brought his cam- paign to a screeching halt. Through alternating (and often conflicting) memories of Greene and entries in Peters’ diary, we are quickly thrust into a series of flashbacks to Peters’ fall from grace, a dramatic and nuanced plot involving bribery, fabricated evidence, and even a drunken night spent with prostitutes. Perhaps the greatest strength of the script is its deft creation of tangible and highly intriguing characters. From the very first scene, Shuchatowitz hits the ground running, pulling the audience through a labyrinth of time and space, shaping his characters through their Yeshiva College Dramatics Society performs "I'll Be Right Here." From left: Judah Gavant, SEE PLAY, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Yadin Teitz, Matis Axel, Binyamin Bixon, Gavriel Guttman, and David Cutler.

IBC Adds New Opportunities for Students By Eitan Lipsky part information to their students. They build relationships with the talmidim,” said Rabbi Kalinsky. In order to meet this goal, for the past several years IBC has As the semester begins to come to a close, many people will start turning their offered a Freshman Seminar for students starting off their college careers, bring- attention towards next Fall. For students in IBC, they will notice several new de- ing students of all different backgrounds into one classroom. The seminar has velopments that will enhance their program in the upcoming year. recently been taught by Rabbi Beny Rofeh, who creates a class environment that What sets IBC apart from the other morning programs is its diverse student is more open and engaging for students to have discussions about many impor- body. Students join IBC for a plethora of reasons, and as such, the student body tant topics. This course is specifically designed to be less demanding in terms of has many different needs to be filled by the course offerings and programming. coursework so that students can gain maximally from their time in class and their In order to accommodate the needs of its students, IBC offers a wide range of discussions. Rabbi Rofeh has also made a point of giving his students exposure course offerings in Tanach, Jewish History, Jewish , , Halacha to new personalities, frequently bringing in other IBC staff members, staff from and other classical Jewish texts, and encourages its students to choose courses BMP and YP, and other YU personalities such as President and Dean that most appeal to their interests and abilities. of Students Chaim Nissel to speak to the students. IBC also places an emphasis on having courses In the upcoming semester, IBC will be focusing in taught which assume different backgrounds and “IBC ALSO OFFERS DIFFERENT even more on its first year student by transforming fluencies with Jewish texts and concepts, allowing FORMS OF PROGRAMMING THAT the Freshman Seminar into a new First-Year Cha- everyone to be taught at their appropriate level. burah Seminar Program. “The program is designed Additionally, IBC offers different forms of pro- INTEND TO HAVE SOMETHING to give the students an experience much like the gramming that intend to have something for ev- Yeshiva environment, with smaller groups eryone. Students are thus able to create their own FOR EVERYONE. STUDENTS... and intimate personal learning,” said Rabbi Rofeh. personalized experiences and schedules in the CREATE THEIR OWN PERSONALIZED In this new program, all first year students will be way that best serves their individual needs. This invited to participate in the 9:00 AM IBC minyan, task of making sure that such a diverse program EXPERIENCES AND SCHEDULES IN where they will be able to daven with several of can truly serve its students needs is not an easy their Rabbeim. After davening, the students will one. The Office of Undergraduate Studies, THE WAY THAT BEST SERVES THEIR break up in the same room into assigned chaburos under the caring leadership of Dean Rabbi Me- INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.” of 7 or 8 students, which will each be assigned an nachem Penner and Associate Dean Rabbi Yosef IBC staff member to learn with them. This out-of- Kalinsky, together with the rest of the IBC staff, the-classroom learning will create a more informal work tirelessly to keep molding the program so that it can accomplish this task. setting than what has been in the past, and will also Next fall, this desire of the staff of IBC to meet the needs of its students will be serve to create a centralized location for IBC learning to take place, which existed very apparent, as highlighted by several new initiatives. only to a limited extent in the past. The strong hope is that these chaburos will One major goal of the IBC administration is to enhance the cohesion among the SEE IBC, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 students and staff of the program. “IBC Rabbeim are there to do more than im- 2 Editorial Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 The

DITORIAL YECHIEL SCHWAB E Editor-in-Chief Stop Focusing on the Face; Focus on the Rest DANI WEISS Managing Editor By Avi Strauss difficult to assess the impact any one singular president had in steering the country differently on the macro-issues like the We humans like to draw our attention to the face. A quick economy and global events, which largely remain out of the AVI STRAUSS YADIN TEITZ Senior News Editor Senior Opinions Editor scan is all we need to generate a first impression, and given that president’s control. faces tend not to be hidden, we figure our cursory evaluation My point is—while focusing on a president and their poli- DAVID HILLEL FIELD is more than sufficient for sizing up the visage to which we’ve cies we very quickly—and very naively—lose sight of the myriad RUBINSTEIN Junior Opinions Editor turned our attention. Similarly, we use the face as a means to factors that go into making reality, reality. Politics happens ev- Junior News Editor describe a large part of the whole, even when it only represents ery year, not just the ones that are multiples of four. We elect DORON LEVINE a fraction of that whole. Sure, we recognize the face can’t exist 468/9 Congresspeople every two years to craft laws, and new Senior Features Editor without the rest of the body, but that doesn’t stop us from ze- presidents every four to institute them. The supreme court ADAM KRAMER ETAI roing in on its features and flaws and using it to explain much rules on big cases with huge political ramifications every time Senior Business Editor it's in session. CEO’s and large institutions innovate, create, de- SHUCHATOWITZ more than it realistically can. Junior Features Editor stroy and revamp huge sectors of our economy on a daily basis. ETAN NEIMAN Sure, I could be referring to the way we assess other people’s Junior Business Editor looks—but that would make this too straightforward. Rather, Wars start and wars end, completely out of the control of our BENJAMIN this is the lens through which I wish to evaluate much of our president, all the time. I don’t doubt the leader of the free world KOSLOWE political and institutional discourse, specifically as it relates to has some say—even an outsized say—over how to proceed, but Junior Features Editor to believe one man or woman will drastically affect our political finding new leaders. Senior Layout Editor The most obvious place to start is the office of the presiden- or economic fortunes on their own is just plain silly. cy. Contrary to what news outlets may have you believe, politics A few contemporary examples: TZVI LEVITIN does happen during the years in between presidential elections. -While stumping for his wife Hillary on the campaign trail, Sure, talk about Donald Trump’s latest whining—ehm, I’m sor- former president Bill Clinton has caught flak for his 1994 crime Layout Editors ry—“winning”—or Hillary Clinton’s most recent non-answer, or bill, with activists and fellow politicians blaming it, and by SHIRA FEEN extension Clinton himself, for high incarceration rates in the Ted Cruz’s responses to both, or Bernie Sanders lone inequality STEVEN KOHANE act, may consume huge percentages of 2016 headlines and air- black community. Yet, as recently as April 14, The Atlantic pub- time, but they can hardly be considered practical politics—the lished an article demonstrating how, when passed, it was a bi- Staff Writers kind of stuff that actually affects everyday people. partisan effort in both Houses of Congress and was supported Yet, at the same time, the public is just fascinated by any- by African American mayors across the country. Yet, Bill Clin- ARTHUR SCHOEN thing and everything they have to say. Relevance or practical- ton has been and remains the main target for those who de- EVAN AXELROD ity be damned. Let’s listen to more of what these faces of their monize the law. AREL LEVKOVICH -Former President George Bush will be forever remembered parties have to say. Sure, one could make the case that the EITAN LIPSKY outsized attention given to the as the president who presid- candidates over, say, the 143 ed over the Great Recession JOEY CHESIR acts passed by the 114th Con- “WE MAY FAULT LEADERS and housing market col- NOAM FEIFEL gress in the past 15 months is FOR THINGS THAT OCCUR ON lapse, with critics blaming URI SHALMON the media’s fault; they are the him for not doing enough to AARON SZYDLO regulate big banks before- ones who chose what gets cov- THEIR WATCH, BUT WE NEED ELIE LIPNIK ered and what doesn’t. But the hand, and not holding them media only sells what we buy. TO REMEMBER THE WATCH WAS accountable afterwards. JONATHAN LIVI And we buy faces. TICKING WAY BEFORE ANY SINGLE They tie his name and the BENJAMIN ZIRMAN I’d argue this political tic financial crisis together, KOCHAVA LONDON of ours has deep roots. We PRESIDENT TOOK OFFICE.” without considering the fact that several administrations know presidents by their con- MICHAEL PERES secrated portraits, with each before his, as far back as Programmer individual centered perfectly, devoid of any other person or President Jimmy Carter and the Community Reinvestment Act object in the background. We name libraries and aircraft car- of 1977, encouraged banks to give out high-risk loans to pro- AVIAD SAPIR riers after presidents. We put them on mountains and dollar spective homeowners who could barely afford a down payment. Business Manager bills. However, our extreme veneration for the individuals who -Under President Barack Obama, starting with the Arab YONI FLEISCHMANN Spring early in his first term, the and North Af- held the position, regardless of how great their tenures were Junior Business Manager (or should how well the country did while they held the office) rica could be described as anything but stable. After popular feeds the narrative that the president is more a supreme figure, uprisings against dictators in some countries and violent jihad- uninfluenced by anything or anyone, than a mortal subject to ist insurrection in others, the region has descended into chaos. The Commentator is the official student other’s opinions and who must deal with unforeseen circum- Much of the blame for the chaos falls squarely on the President newspaper stances out of his control. Sure, this could be explained by the for his inaction or insufficient action to assert American mili- of Yeshiva University. fact that the president is the one with the final say on many tary might and quell the unrest. Yet to blame one administra- For 81 years, The Commentator has served matters—the decision maker who bears sole responsibility in tion for the chaos—wrought with centuries old religious divi- students and administrators as a commu- some of the nation’s toughest decisions—but to think he is the sions and deep-seated hate—is myopic. nicative conduit; a kinetic vehicle dissemi- only one who needs to be seared into our collective political Sure, we can critique the way the administration speaks nating undergraduate social, religious, and memories is folly. about the chaos or suggest new courses of action (as I did in academic beliefs across the student bodies; I’m also willing to entertain the argument that we focus so an earlier edition of The Commentator regarding the ongoing and a reliable reflection of Yeshiva student much on the candidates because of the very real possibility they Syrian crisis), but to wrongfully assume fault lies squarely with life to the broader Jewish and American com- will be the next president crafting the policies that will affect us the current president is to give in to our basest political inclina- munities. for the next four years. They are the ones who may have their tion—the face is responsible—while wrongfully misattributing hands on the nuclear codes. They may serve as the commander omniscience to a single individual or the position that individ- The Commentator staff claims students span- -in-chief that leads our country to new heights or brings us to ual holds. ning the diverse spectrum of backgrounds new lows. Of course they need to be scrutinized meticulously. Yes, the faces of our country are important, but their col- and beliefs represented at Yeshiva. But when we consider the legacies of past presidents, espe- leagues, political foes, foreign counterparts, amorphous and cially more recent ones, we realize that there is huge disagree- faceless economic trends and a whole host of other social fac- We are united by our passion for ment over which policies enacted under which president made tors carry a great amount of inertia. living the ideals of Torah u-Maddah, which impact on which economic scale or which social group. Similarly, we need to recognize the problems a president and a commitment to The extreme focus on the individuals who may assume the must deal with originated in the months, years, even decades journalistic excellence. presidency in the next term neglects the many circumstances and centuries that proceed them. We may fault leaders for that are and will remain out of their control. things that occur on their watch, but we need to remember the Moreover, while many will always jump to the quickest or watch was ticking way before any single president took office. most clear cut answer regarding a presidential legacy; academ- This isn’t to say people in powerful positions, with the ics, scholars, or even ordinary journalists can always pull one control and authority to steer entire institutions or countries more curtain back, or connect causative dots back to some don’t deserve blame when things go sour or praise when they 500 W 185th Street earlier or extra-political factor that influenced the outcome of work out great—they do. Leaders are still leaders. But we cer- New York, NY 10033 some issue under whichever President, spinning the effects in tainly need to start framing larger pictures. yucommentator.org whichever direction they choose. Essentially, it will always be WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 7 Up 7 Down/News 3

Perth, Australia Remembering Professor According to the internet, this is the farthest city in the world 1from our campus. If you happen to be looking for Richard Joel next Thomas Otway summer, this is where he will be. Valedictorian Candidates By David Tribuch

Regarding these brainy young men, Dean Sugarman wrote, Tuesday April 5 marked a day of great loss for the greater Yeshiva Univer- 2“their futures, like all of yours, are bright.” But make no mistake sity community as it suffered the loss of Professor Thomas Otway, a distin- -- their futures are just a little bit brighter than yours. guished and popular professor on campus for over twenty-five years after a heart attack. After receiving his PhD from New York University’s prestigious Israeli Shuk Event Tandon School of , Professor Otway joined the ranks of Yeshi- What could be better than getting a henna tattoo, chowing va’s mathematics department, where he would eventually rise to be chair for 3down on pickles and rugelach, watching a push-up contest, and - both Yeshiva College and Stern College for Women. He would also go on to ting free Zionist propaganda books all while listening to swanky Is- be chair of the computer science department on both campuses, and helped raeli pop ? You had me at the free food. found Yeshiva University’s graduate program for mathematics. In 2015, he won the Dean Karen Bacon Faculty Award. KB But above all, he was a popular professor who was loved for his wit, ec- Fries and veggies? Ok babe. What else? Talk to me kid. centricities, and caring for his students’ well-being. 4 Dr. Otway was “A man of incredible wit. Always sharp, but he never hurt when he cut”, according to Joshua Skootsky, a senior math major who took That Black Plastic Bag Otway for multivariable calculus. Many of his students commented about You know, the one that is always floating somewhere near Otway’s quick sarcastic humor, and how this always kept class interesting. 5the entrance of Rubin, either caught in that tree, wandering aim- Ariel Chernofsky, a YC graduate from May 2015, recalled a story of Otway lessly in the grass, or being spun in one of those unexpected wind promising a car for whoever would do the most problems on the board by vortexes. the end of the semester. When the time came, Professor Otway handed the winner a small matchbox car telling the student “I told you that you’d get a Tuition car”. The dorms are improving, so tuition is going up! At times In addition to his strong passion for mathematics, Professor Otway 6like these we must ask ourselves, why do we have a special word for also displayed his love of art. Some of his former students tell over the the money you pay for ? Why don’t we also have a unique story of how he always wanted to be an artist, and how as a mathemati- word for the price of mitts or grape soda? cian he was able to express his artistic talents. “Normally, math problems involving the measurements of globes, you would just draw a sphere and Lake Como Pizza proceed to the doing the problem. Otway, however would start sketching The United States and other countries”, said Shaya First, a YC graduate Ok I’ve been holding it in for a while, but I’m just gonna say who took Otway for five classes. First also recalls how Otway would dis- 7it. Como is the better pizza. End of story. cuss what he called old hat and new hat math, where Otway would drop what he was doing and literally start drawing an old beat up hat and a newer, hipper baseball cap. Danny Poritz, a senior computer science ma- jor, remembers an incident where Otway suddenly broke out and began to recite Shakespeare’s sonnets from memory.

7 UP 7 DOWN “A MAN OF INCREDIBLE WIT. The Rope Around The Grass ALWAYS SHARP, BUT Just when spring arrived and campus began to blossom 1again, they went ahead and walled off my favorite grazing spot. But HE NEVER HURT the motivation is pure -- I can relate to the desire to spread seed and fertilize; every last blade counts in this concrete jungle. WHEN HE CUT.” - JOSHUA SKOOTSKY Tight Pants Your suffocating calves can breathe a sigh of relief; these 2provocative leg chokers appear to be going out of style. But most importantly, Professor Otway was loved for devotion to his stu- dents. Poritz tells over a story about how Otway sent him over to the Beren Yeast campus to listen to a prospective computer science professor give a lecture. He describes how Otway arranged for him to get a cab downtown, and make Not sure if I’m comfortable with bacteria digesting my food the trip as easy as possible. When Otway heard the cab did not arrive, he 3and then defecating it before I do. I propose we go yeast free for the made a whole fuss to make sure that he would get back safely. Many of his next few days. students rave about how where most professors give short curt responses to Sriracha Mango and Chipotle their emails, if any at all, Professor Otway would take the time to write out lengthy thought messages to students queries. Sarah Nagar, a senior at Stern Pineapple who at the last minute switched to to a computer science major, details how 4 she “always received lengthy replies from him outlining and explaining why Only such tongue-burning, eye-watering, throat-tickling, liver- I should take a certain course and not another--even if it was at 1:00 AM. He destroying yogurts like these can make me happy by comparison to bent over backwards to meet with me to discuss my future”. She details how see PB&J Chobani flip yogurt in the Caf. when she was first seeking guidance from Professor Otway he really took the time to get to know her, and did not just view her as another GPA. Urinating in the Dorm Sinks Nagar’s limited experience with Dr. Otway had such a profound impact My roommate gave me a pretty judgy look when I suggested on her that she was moved to compile a book honoring Professor Otway’s 5the virtues of this practice. So for the time being, the sink is not for memory that will be sent to his family. According to Nagar the book has peeing. “gotten about fifteen responses so far; from students who took his classes in the 1990s, to current students, to students who have never met him, to Furst Hall Urinals students who have only had one interaction with him, but that one interac- Speaking of urine, what’s the deal with those rows of urinals tion was memorable”. 6in the Furst bathrooms with no partitions in between them? I mean, In the meantime, Otway’s teaching duties are being split between Profes- c’mon man. What has been seen cannot be unseen. sor Wenxiong Chen and Professor Freddy Zypman, while his administrative duties will be assumed by others. Detailing the difficulty of refilling all the Hillary Clinton positions left vacant with Otway’s passing, Dr. Marini said “It’s a lot of work to pick up. He was doing a lot”. In the past three weeks she has lost 7 straight primaries to Needless to say, Professor Otway’s personality will be sorely missed by 7Sanders. If she doesn’t win New York this week, she’ll not only have many here at Yeshiva University. fewer delegates than The Bern; she’ll also have to rely on Guam, the Dakotas, Puerto Rico, and New Jersey for future votes. Not sure about you, but I’d sooner pee in a sink than campaign to Jerseyans.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 4 News Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 Letter to the Editor News Brief To the Editor, Torah, and I’m sure that everyone would enjoy the By Commentator Staff visit even more! Second – the "maddah" aspect: my My mother recently spent time in a local nursing mother and approximately a third of the residents home that was visited by a group of Yeshiva Uni- are diabetic and therefore couldn't eat the contents Yeshiva College Names versity students on Purim. Along with festive cheer, of the gifts. I was deeply sad when I overheard the these wonderful students brought mishloach manot staff of the facility complain that they were put in Yosef Frenkel Valedicto- to all the patients. While I’m extremely grateful to the tremendously difficult position of having to them for sharing part of their holiday with patients take away some of the shalach manos from their pa- rian of the Class of 2016 in nursing homes, I would like to offer some sug- tients to prevent them from consuming it and chas v'shalom (further) compromising their health. To gestions that would make their contribution even On April 12, Yeshiva College announced the vale- prevent this situation, perhaps YU could consider more meaningful, in my opinion. After observing dictorian of the Class of 2016, Biology major Yosef crafting gifts that are sensitive and respectful to some of the puzzled looks evinced by the recipients Frenkel. In an email to the student body, Associate the dietary restrictions of patients. Ultimately, true upon receiving mishloach manot, two things struck Dean Fred Sugarman said Frenkel “embodies the very chessed comes from considering the needs of the me. First, many patients/residents probably hadn't highest standards of scholarship, devotion to Jewish person you are visiting and/or trying to assist. With celebrated Purim since childhood. Even if they had, values and dedication to community.” Frenkel was one a little more education and thought, Iy"H the stu- they were likely having a hard time relating to the of five finalists for valedictorian, each of whom gave dents will make a greater Kiddush Hashem and be themes of Purim while stuck in a nursing home. presentations to the Deans and several faculty mem- even better ambassadors for Torah U'maddah, next Both the student's gifts and their singing were bers about their most valuable academic experiences year – in Yerushalayim. somewhat fleeting; I wonder whether they could at YU. The other finalists were Yadin Teitz, Shai Ber- add a meaningful card to empathize and/or explain man, Alexander Maged, and Elan Teichman. the meaning of the day. It's so easy to add a dose of Shana Frankel

At Town Hall Meeting, President Joel Emphasizes University Community Development By Noam Feifel Joel opened the floor to questions. this group of trustees,” offered Joel, “is the best way to go Students in attendance were eager to to probe Presi- about this.” Yeshiva University President Richard Joel addressed dent Joel about a variety of topics, but one that garnered No specific names of potential candidates were men- the YU community at this semester’s Town Hall Meeting perhaps the most attention was the subject of YU’s next tioned throughout the night by either president Joel or this past Wednesday April 13, in the Heights Lounge of the president. members of the audience. Wilf Campus. Herenstein, after the meeting drew close, shared what The event serves as a university-wide forum intended motivated his question. “Those not on the list of trustees to promote an open and meaningful dialogue between know the most about what is going on in the school and President Joel and the YU community on contemporary with the students. Alumni, faculty, and Roshei Yeshiva are issues important to academics and student life. the most in the know. It would make a lot of sense to find The event, however, was not well attended, especially a way to incorporate people closer to student life in aiding by students. With around just 100 students in attendance, this search for the next president.” seat vacancies and semi-filled rows could be seen through- Other students were more curious about less bureau- out a room set up for a much larger crowd. cratic issues, such as the ongoing politics regarding YU’s President Joel accordingly commenced his opening re- food services department and restaurant Golan Heights. marks by asserting his presumption that the college’s stu- “Does YU owe it to its students to fix the situation with Go- dents were likely too busy doing schoolwork to show up lan?” asked Syms senior Eitan Neiman. He reasoned that and engage in the meeting with him. “I wish they would if so many YU students enjoy eating the restaurant’s food, have come and bonded with me here,” said Joel, as he then the university should find a way to rectify the prob- expressed the importance of community, a theme that he lem and settle differences between the two parties. Joel, touched upon throughout the duration of the meeting. in response, offered that business differences do happen, In the remaining portion of his introductory comments, and aren’t always that simple to settle. He ensured that Joel briefed the audience on recently announced updates the university is working on reaching a resolution and and improvements that the university has made, namely ultimately hoping to reinstate the Caf Card and its Omni to its dining and housing programs. Regarding the former, Funds as means to pay at the coveted Israeli restaurant. Joel was sparse with his words and merely explained that “What are we looking for in our next president to best Aaron Landy, who introduced himself before asking his modifications have been made to increase “optionality” help the university?” inquired YC senior, Elan Teich- question as head of YU Hackers, a computer science ori- for students’ meal plans. The reformed dining program man. President Joel responded that while it is a board of ented club, asked, “YU Hackers wants to help improve the will implement its new options beginning next semester trustees who ultimately search for candidates and make shuttle app and just in general with technological matters. Fall 2016. the decision, not him, his successor must demonstrate a Can we get more involved?” President Joel acknowledged He elaborated in far more detail regarding the updated tremendous amount of understanding and appreciation the impressive club and offered thanks for what the club policies and arrangements that the housing office will be for the unique dynamic and complexity of what Yeshiva has already contributed to the school. He did note, howev- implementing next semester. Continuing with the theme University is. Joel also stressed that his successor must be er, that YU is considering outsourcing for all technological of community, Joel informed that as of next semester, a prodigious fundraiser, as this has been, and continues services, largely in part due to lackluster quality of some of all incoming students’ first two semesters must be spent to be, a time of financial instability for the school. Lastly, the university’s existing services. living in the university’s dormitories. President Joel re- answered Joel, the next president of YU must be a cogni- Other topics that were briefly touched on were the art iterated that this move was motivated by the prospect of zant one, who is aware and well informed of what is really and music departments at YU, which President Joel said building an even stronger community on campus. going on with the students, and who can understand their he hopes continues to flourish, and the business school Returning students living in the dorms next semester views and respond to their needs. deviating from the YC core curriculum, which Associate will also notice some changes. President Joel stressed that On the same topic, Syms senior Jacob Herenstein, Dean of Syms, Avi Golani, explained is meant to provide “real change” will be forthcoming in order to augment the asked a follow-up question. “Shouldn’t students, alumni, the utmost flexibility to business school students. quality of living in the dorms. The additions of air condi- faculty, administration, and Roshei Yeshiva be included Throughout the duration of the evening, President Joel tioning units to every room in Rubin Hall, newly allocated for this search process for the next president? Why are appeared comfortable and uncontested behind the po- areas for student cooking, and general refurbishment in these personalities, who best know what is really go- dium. His witty, comical quips engendered a calm, light- the other dormitories stood out as some of the most im- ing on in this school, excluded from the decision making hearted atmosphere from the get-go, and no real contro- pactful upcoming changes that Joel and the housing office process, and instead have the decision be left solely up to versy or tension arose throughout the meeting. hope will translate into the “real change” that the longtime a ‘diverse group of trustees’?” In what seemed to be the While the meeting’s mundane dialogue may have president described. only moment of the evening that the president appeared seemed underwhelming, it raises the question whether To conclude his opening remarks, President Joel redi- just slightly hesitant, he responded, “No candidate for the students would show up if the conversation had been rected his focus onto updates to the academic side of the presidency will be instated without having the opportu- more riveting and divulging. It is evident from such a school. He discussed the growing, and thriving summer nity to encounter these people closer to student life, such small turnout, that the student body, for the most part, school program that the school boasts, as well as YU’s ex- as alumni and faculty, in order to ensure they are fit for the had little interest in hearing from, and engaging in con- panded graduate school options, and encouraged students job.” He continued by explaining that the search process versation with President Joel. Perhaps one of the areas to consider registering for these opportunities. is a complicated one, and that often times, candidates will that needs attention, discussion, and improvement, from The Town Hall Meeting then shifted gears, as President only agree to speak to the university on certain terms due students and administrators alike, is student apathy for to confidentiality issues. “A quiet process, conducted by campus events.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 News 5 Philosophy Department Restructures to Familiar Format as Professor Segal Departs By Benjamin Koslowe Metaphysics, and Epistemology. And then there are three erwise I’ll teach Philosophy of Language or Metaphysics or electives.” Johnson figures that being a philosophy major Theory of Knowledge or a seminar. Historically, we’ve had With Professor Aaron Segal’s upcoming departure from or minor in YC “should not be a problem. With regard to a lot of double-majors, in math and philosophy, physics Yeshiva University at the end of the semester, students requirements for the philosophy major, Ancient & Me- and philosophy, things like that, and we’ll make available may be wondering what YU’s philosophy department will dieval will be taught every fall, and Modern Philosophy, what people need. I don’t think it should be a problem.” look like in the future. Segal, who is finishing up his third meaning roughly Descartes through Hume, is offered ev- year as Assistant Professor of Philosophy on Wilf campus, ery spring. There’ll be at least one, maybe more than one, Dr. David Shatz, co-chair of the philosophy depart- is making Aliyah this summer with his family. seminar each term, that’s another requirement course. ment and professor on Beren campus, expressed that “no In his three years he has taught 15 classes, including And there’ll be lots of things available for Value Theory, philosophy department, no matter how good, can lose Metaphysics, Theory of Knowledge, Ancient & Medieval which roughly means ethics, legal philosophy, or things someone like Dr. Segal without the departure having an Philosophy, and First Year Seminar Honors (“Philosophy in that ballpark, though they’ll be mostly done either by impact. He is an extraordinary philosopher and teacher and Science Fiction”). After he leaves to Israel, where he [Rabbi] Shalom Carmy or by political science cross-listed who stands at the cutting edge of analytic philosophy and will teach philosophy at Hebrew University, the only full- courses.” who cares deeply about his students and the university. time Yeshiva College philosophy professor will be Profes- Cross-listed philosophy courses feature professors He has already received two highly competitive interna- sor David Johnson. such as Rabbi Carmy, Dr. Ruth Bevan, and Dr. Jamie tional awards in metaphysics while publishing rapidly in Segal, after graduating YU, went on to pursue Rabba- Aroosi from the Jewish philosophy and political science both general and Jewish philosophy. He created imagina- nut , studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion for several departments. Johnson suggested that he may look to get tive courses such as ‘Philosophy and Science Fiction’ and years. He also studied in Notre Dame under Drs. Peter van the course “Game Theory” cross-listed as well ‘Mortality and Meaning.’ His humility, I must add, is re- Inwagen and Alvin Plantinga, earning his Ph.D. in philos- markable. When you combine his philosophical achieve- ophy in 2013. ments with his prowess in ‘learning,’ honed during many Johnson, co-chair of the philosophy department, de- " [I] WISH AARON [SEGAL] WERE years at Gush, and add his refined character, his men- scribed Segal’s move to Hebrew University as “a great STAYING, FOR THE GOOD OF THE schlichkeit, he is a wonderful model of Torah u-Madda. honor for him and the enormous loss for us. He is quite We will miss him.” brilliant and I’m sorry to see him go, though it’s good for COLLEGE, BUT I’M HAPPY FOR him to be at Hebrew University.” “Still,” added Professor Shatz, “with Professors John- In a similar vein, Professor Daniel Rynhold, Associate HIM THAT HE CAN BE AT HEBREW son, Carmy, and Rynhold, and with Rabbi Dr. Meir So- Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Revel, noted that “hav- UNIVERSITY AND LIVING IN loveichik teaching as well, sponsored by the Straus Cen- ing such a talented young philosopher as Professor Segal ter, we’ll have a very good curriculum that nicely combines at YC was a real coup for the university, so it’s obviously [ISRAEL]. HE’S ONE OF THE MOST historically structured courses with courses focused on a real blow to be losing him so soon. But even were YU in topics. Our professors are versatile, which isn’t always the the best of health, I’m not sure we could compete with the BRILLIANT PHILOSOPHERS I’VE case in universities, and I think we’ll get good coverage for pull of Aliyah.” EVER KNOWN…” a small department as well as first rate pedagogy.” Professor Johnson mentioned that he doesn’t imag- Students who have had the opportunity to learn from ine YU is currently looking for a replacement for Profes- - PROFESSOR DAVID JOHNSON Professor Segal will miss him as well. Shua Katz remarked sor Segal. “You’re aware of the financial difficulties of the that “with the departure of Professor Segal, the philoso- college,” Johnson said, “so I don’t think we’re in a hiring phy department loses a core component, a person who ex- mode. I don’t foresee a search to replace Professor Segal’s at some point in the future. In addition to cross-listings, udes Yirat Shamayim while teaching a lucid and thought- position, though I haven’t heard anything one way or the Professor Daniel Rynhold from Revel regularly offers one provoking brand of philosophy.” Doron Levine said that other.” philosophy course a semester. Next semester he is offering “Professor Segal’s ability to explain complicated and po- Karen Bacon, Dean of the Undergraduate Faculty of a seminar on Kant’s First Critique. tentially confusing topics in the most clear and precise Arts and Sciences at YU, confirmed that “at the current Additionally, professors from YU’s Straus Center terms is unparalleled by any teacher I’ve ever had. The time we are not initiating a search for a full time appoint- sometimes teach courses at YC. This semester features fact that someone with such clarity of thought and intel- ment to replace Dr. Segal. We are currently focused on the a cross-listed political science/philosophy course by Dr. lectual integrity is a committed Orthodox Jew is inspiring. Compute Science and Biology Departments and, unex- Neil Rogachevsky, the Tikvah Postdoctoral Fellow at the His methodology has had a profound impact on me and pectedly, the Math Department. Up ahead we will look at Straus Center. Next semester Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveitchik, on all of his students.” Isaac Shulman related that “Profes- all our other departments to review staffing and plan for the Director of the Straus Center, will be teaching an hon- sor Segal has been one of the most enjoyable and educa- the future.” ors philosophy course on “ and Democracy.” He tional teachers I’ve had the pleasure of studying with. I The philosophy department has fluctuated in size over previously taught a Jewish Philosophy course in fall 2014 will surely miss his clear presentation, rigorous analysis the years, at times having as many as four philosophers on Yehudah HaLevi. In spring 2014 he offered his “Juda- of arguments, and commitment to each of his students.” on staff at YC. These included Rabbi Walter Wurzburger, ism and Democracy” course, lecturing jointly with Rabbi Katz, Levine, and Shulman are all current philosophy ma- Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth, Drs. Michael and Edith Wyschogrod, Lord Jonathan Sacks. Rabbi Sacks has been YU’s Kressel jors at YU. Dr. Peter Achinstein, Dr. Linda Brown, and Dr. James Ot- and Efrat Family University Professor of Jewish Thought Professor Johnson described Segal as “one of the most teson, among others. Rabbi Wurzburger and the Wyscho- at Yeshiva since he stepped down from his role as Chief brilliant philosophers I know. I was very happy when he grods have passed away, and several others have all left Rabbi of Great Britain in 2013. came. He was my student long ago here, and he was a dou- YU recently. Achinstein left in 2011, Brown and Otteson Professor Segal, like Johnson, feels that students ma- ble-major in philosophy and mathematics. I wish Aaron both left in 2013, and Roth retired just this past semes- joring in philosophy shouldn’t be concerned. “A depart- were staying, for the good of the college, but I’m happy ter. Professor Segal joined the staff as Brown and Otteson ment in which Professors Johnson, Rynhold, and Carmy for him that he can be at Hebrew University and living in left, but with Roth having retired this year and Segal’s im- teach is without question one that can provide a stellar [Israel]. He’s one of the most brilliant philosophers I’ve pending parting, the department will be on the historically and well-rounded philosophical education,” offered Se- ever known, and I’ll miss him.” small side. gal. “When I was an undergraduate the department was “My three years here were really wonderful,” remarked Current and recent philosophy majors will indeed no- roughly identically constituted, and I was and still am de- Professor Segal. “My colleagues were very supportive, tice that the course lineup for the upcoming semester is lighted with the experience I had in the department. And and my students were curious, dedicated, bright, fun, and thinner than in the past few years. Since 2012 the philoso- we shouldn't forget that the political science department, menschlich. I had the privilege of discussing philosophy, phy department has been relatively large, and there have the department, and the Straus Center of- Torah, and more, both inside the classroom and out, with always been at least seven philosophy courses offered each fer courses and resources that expand and supplement the others who share my intellectual passions and religious semester in YC. Some semesters offered as many as ten offerings in the philosophy department.” commitments. I am going to miss YU a good deal, and I philosophy courses. Next semester there will be only five. Certain courses that Professor Segal has taught a few hope to remain connected in one way or another.” While this is small compared to the previous few years, times will be still be offered, albeit less frequently for the Pondering the future and philosophy in general, John- it is actually not so unusual compared to the philosophy time being. “Professor Segal has been teaching regularly son assessed that “philosophy’s great virtue, which I hope department’s longer history. for a couple of years Metaphysics in the fall and Theory will still attract students, is, you learn logic, you learn how “When I first came here in 1996,” related Johnson, “the of Knowledge in the spring,” said Professor Johnson. “I to reason, and that changes you in a profound way. Most department consisted of myself and two adjunct profes- may hold off for a year, but probably the year after this of our students learn that and like it. Logic is wonderfully sors. The department was able to offer six courses. It looks coming one I’ll start teaching Metaphysics once in a while, useful, and you learn to be rigorous; that is, you learn to be as if [going forward] probably each semester there’ll be and Theory of Knowledge once in a while.” Professor precise and explicit and meticulously correct about mat- five or six or so [courses], something in the general ball- Johnson also regularly offers different types of philoso- ters of logic. Philosophy departments are never, in their park of where we were in terms of the offerings. So there’ll phy seminars. “When I do seminars, they’re very often on nature, big. There are larger different universities, but be enough courses offered so there’s no trouble for people Advanced Logic or Axiomatic Set Theory. But if I’m not philosophy attracts some people, but it’s never gonna at- majoring in philosophy.” doing that, I’ll once in a while do a seminar on miracles or tract masses of people. But it attracts those who need it The philosophy major requires 30 credits, or ten cours- something like that.” and want it and it is valuable in many ways. So I assume es. “You need a seminar,” explained Johnson, “Ancient In terms of other courses, Johnson imagines that “I’ll be that tradition will continue.” & Medieval [Philosophy], Modern [Philosophy], a Value more or less teaching Logic every fall, and then Advanced Theory, three of the ‘Big Six,’ meaning roughly Logic, Logic when people are interested in that sort of thing. Oth-

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 6 News Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776

NYC Councilman Addresses YU Students After Meaningful Trip to Israel, Extolls Unity

By Eric Shalmon the Councilman observed in Israel reinvigorated his this in partnership with both Latinos and - "with fight for unity between the cultures here in Washing- you here at Yeshiva University." Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, the Washington ton Heights and in greater . One hun- Chaim Metzger, President of the Honors Student Heights representative to the New York City Council, dred years ago people were more separate and gener- Council, observed, "The Councilman seemed genuine- recently visited Yeshiva upon invitation by Professor ally thought of themselves in terms of their culture ly interested in synthesizing the two communities here Cwilich to address a group of honors students at one of origin, whether it was Jew, Latino, Chinese, etc. in Washington Heights and was very passionate about of their weekly luncheons. In his speech the council- Today,however, Councilman Rodriguez believes that fulfilling those goals." man focused on his two week trip to Israel last August things have changed and that those lines will continue His goal is to turn Washington Heights into a mid- which left a tremendous impression on him and dle class community, "build[ing] a Silicon Valley reinvigorated his sense of mission on the City here in our community," because the most impor- Council “WE DON'T NEED TO GO TO AFRICA tant thing for Councilman Rodriguez "is to go to "I felt that his points were very important to sleep in peace, knowing I have helped our commu- hear," acknowledged Professor Cwilich, director ON PEACE CORPS TO FEEL THAT WE nity." of the honors program. "I was very excited to hear that the Councilman Hailing from the Dominican Republic, the HELPED OTHERS OR LEFT A LEGACY: wanted to come," said Professor Cwilich. "He had Councilman began his career as a schoolteacher. A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF NEW very interesting things to say, and we are currently After 13 years as an educator, Rodriguez joined taking steps towards solidifying his visions, in- the City Council to connect different peoples and YORKERS LIVE IN POVERTY, WE CAN cluding a possible convention of Yeshiva Univer- to help them build a future together. The Council- sity and City College students." man said that he always looked to two nations for LEAVE A LEGACY HERE.” inspiration: the Jews and the Chinese. As a histo- - COUNCILMAN RODRIGUEZ ry teacher, Rodriguez realized that 100, 200 years is nothing in the view of history and "no one has learned that better than the Jews." to blur in the future. "Our next generation," said the Because both nations have such vast, impressive Councilman, "will interact with people from other cul- , the Councilman explained, "they know who tures from the day they are born - and only they can they are;" they know how to plan for the future. claim that. Adults today," he continued, "say that they He visited China during his last semester of college do interact with and have opened up to other cultures and finally made it to Israel earlier this year. "It is a but this is only later in life, they didn’t grow up with very diverse place," Rodriguez remarked. "Going from it." Tel Aviv, a very liberal place, to Jerusalem, the holy The Councilman has taken one of his classes to the city…and then going to the border - it's an experience Dominican Republic to explore their roots, study their that can never be described." history and learn where they came from. "I learned To him, it was also amazing to see how many young that the job of a professor or educator is not to teach, men and women were in the army fighting together for but to facilitate and I carry those values with me now." their country. More than just the people, the land it- The history of a person's culture should inspire him to self was awash with history. A lifelong Catholic, the move forward into the future. "Your lives aren't only Councilman viewed stepping in the Jordan river after yours," explained Rodriguez, "they are your ancestors’ reading all the passages in the and setting foot in as well." the holy city as an unparalleled experience. However, In response to a question, the Councilman stated, he deemed the different communities there taking his- "We don't need to go to Africa on Peace Corps to feel tory and building a thriving society to be equally im- that we helped others or left a legacy: a large percent- pressive. age of New Yorkers live in poverty, we can leave a leg- The simultaneous display of diversity and unity that acy here." Councilman Rodriguez hopes to accomplish

Changing the World One Good Deed at a Time

By Elie Lipnick Feen (SC, ’18) and Devora Siegel (SC, ’17), sponsored the over, she claimed that the best part of the day was coming event and lead the group of students throughout the day. back to where the big NYC event for good Whether it be from flyers lying around the YU campus Good Deeds Day actually began weeks before the day it- deeds day was taking place and just feeling part of a bigger or ystuds sent out, the phrase “join millions around the self, when members of the aforementioned clubs collect- movement. Also, hands-on helping at the soup kitchen, world by participating in Good Deeds Day” might have ed donations for a soup kitchen. That Sunday, however, and feeling like we were actually making it a difference, caught your attention. If you did not actually read through students went to Masbia Kosher Soup Kitchen, donated and the gratitude of the masbia staff showed towards us, the entire email or meticulously scrutinize each detail on the food collected, and peeled 350 pounds of carrots. As made it all worth it. The most difficult aspect of coordi- the flyer, then you may have missed the opportunity to one of the only fully kosher kitchens, Masbia’s model is to nating this event was collecting donations in the cafeterias take part in Good Deeds Day 2016. On Sunday, April 16th, “feed any empty stomach.” Afterwards, participants head- before the actual event to bring with us on good deeds day 2016 tens of millions of people, thousands of organiza- ed back to pizza and stopped in Herald square to donate to the soup kitchen. Siegel says that she “defi- tions and business in over 60 countries around the globe where they had many booths to do quick small good deeds. nitely wants to make this an annual event at YU.” united to do good and volunteer. According to Feen, “the day went absolutely Efraim Benscher (Syms, ’18) thoroughly enjoyed Good Deeds Day was initiated in 2007 by busi- amazing, I couldn’t have imagined it any better.” More- himself. “It was an awesome time, people took off from nesswoman and philanthropist, Shari Arison, their busy schedules to help others not as fortu- and launched and organized by Ruach Tova nate as us. I would absolutely participate again (NGO), a part of The Ted Arison Family Founda- next year, because as I always say ‘time is a most tion, the philanthropic arm of the Arison Group. precious gift from g-d but it is a gift that must be According to Arison, “I believe that if people will shared with others.’” think good, speak good and do good, the circles The only thing that Feen and Siegel would of goodness will grow in the world. Good Deeds change, however, is that they would try do it at Day has become the leading day of giving and a location that can handle more volunteers. Un- this year individuals, school children, students, fortunately, Masbia could not accept that many soldiers and employees from many businesses volunteers so we had to limit advertising, and are joining in for the annual Good Deeds Day next year it would be great to get more students with the aim of doing a good deed for others.” involved. As well as starting good deeds day, Shari Arison With the first annual Good Deeds Day at YU is American-born Israeli businesswoman and going in the books as a huge success, students philanthropist, and Israel's wealthiest woman. are anxiously awaiting for it to come around Specifically at YU, the Bnei Akiva Soci- next year. ety, Tzedek Society, Social Justice Society, and Eruv Society, all under the auspices of Shira

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 News 7 Yeshiva College Hosts Alumni Panel for English and Writing Students By Tzvi Levitin Matthew Schneider (YC ’03; Ford- ham Law ’07), Associate General On March 29, students and professors of English Counsel at Silver Point Capital and Writing gathered in Furst Hall to hear several and investor in Broadway shows, distinguished alumni of Yeshiva College discuss the and Sam Singer (YC ’03; AECOM impact of their English education upon their career ’07), attending neuro oncologist paths and experiences after graduation. Facilitated by at the John Theurer Cancer Center Professor Lauren Fitzgerald, chair of the English de- at Hackensack University Medical partment, the panel discussed several questions likely Center. plaguing the minds of many students studying litera- Professor Fitzgerald asked the ture and writing instead of more career-oriented pro- panelists to reflect upon their ex- grams like pre-med or accounting. periences as English majors and Members of the panel included Ben Abromowitz articulate the impact of their lit- (YC ’12; Sarah Lawrence MFA ‘15), editorial associate erature and writing studies upon at Vanity Fair, Aaron Roller (YC ’06; Harvard Urban their careers. Dr. Singer noted that Planning MA ’08), Director of Special Projects at the when he began writing research NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services, proposals in medical school, he was surprised by the frequency at which his classmates’ papers were returned cov- ered in red ink while his own papers earned encouraged current students to take full advantage of him the high regard of his professors. the world-class education we have available to us at Abromowitz claimed that his English relatively miniscule student-to-professor ratios. When classes, as well as his work in the Writing asked if there were any classes they wished they had Center, taught him how to communicate taken during their time at YU, Roller and Schneider about writing more effectively and con- agreed that financial literacy, or even a course in Mi- tributed to his ability to work with others crosoft Excel, could have prepared them to enter gov- to improve their writing. Schneider felt ernment and law, respectively. that his background in literature, narra- While each panelist had a unique perspective on tive, and writing gave him credibility in how their at YU influence their day- the Broadway investment scene among to-day responsibilities, they all agreed that becoming investors who had spent their entire ca- well-rounded people who can express their thoughts reers working in the industry. efficiently and effectively has proven to be the most Each of the panelists took the oppor- valuable takeaway from their undergraduate educa- tunity to thank their former professors, tion. many of whom attended the event, and

Illuminate Your Networking with YU ALUMinate By Judah Stiefel bership in the YU alumni family has its privileges. to existing users and professional networking events. We have finally created a tangible way for our power- Dina Burcat (Director of Alumni Affairs) explained, In this fast paced sink or swim society, it’s easy to ful alumni network to leverage the benefits that come “Being a member of YU ALUMinate is one of the most find oneself treading in place. Decisions may be un- from sharing their knowledge and expertise.” beneficial ways that we can leverage the diversity of clear. Job opportunities may be scarce. Finding the The site is taken very seriously and gives alumni the the YU alumni community and connect our graduates right contacts to help you navigate the waters, even special feeling of belonging to an exclusive communi- with professionals and mentors in their career fields for the brightest students, may prove a difficult task. ty. There is a brief vetting process one must go through who want to and are willing to help other alumni be- Thankfully, there is a solution. YU ALUMinate is a pro- to sign up, and graduating seniors will be eligible upon cause they share the common bond of a YU education.” fessional networking platform available exclusively to successfully receiving their diploma. To see examples of the site at its finest, look no YU graduates. The website provides valuable resources There are currently over 800 alumni on the site, further than Joel Strauss (YC ’86 Cardozo ’92) and to YU students who’ve finished college and have joined and growing daily, in professional fields ranging from Mouchka Darmon Heller (SCW ’11). As described on the graduate school and professional communities. graphic design, to banking, to , to rabbin- the YU News website, “Heller, who is currently Trade YU ALUMinate provides undergraduate alum- ate, to much more. The community also ranges in age Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in ni with an exclusive and unique networking recourse, from alumni in their seventies and eighties with vast New York, posted on ALUMinate that she was organiz- assisting former students to connect with other alum- experience to newly graduated students with exciting ing an event for engineers, architects and real estate ni in a wide range of fields. The platform is a huge potential. The site allows you to engage in dialogue owners/managers/developers. Strauss responded to privilege afforded to any YU student who has gradu- with alumni who share your field, but also network her pitch, and after several rounds of private messag- ated Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, or Sy with professionals in other fields. It also provides op- ing, they began discussing internships for YU and Car- Syms School of Business. Said Rachel Lebwohl (Mar- portunities to participate in community wide discus- dozo students, an area of strong interest for Strauss.” keting Associate, Alumni Affairs), “YU ALUMinate is sions, post job opportunities, and access a newsletter The site observes, “The upshot of their conversation a powerful tool that we can offer our is the likelihood of several summer alumni as a benefit of graduating from internship opportunities with the Yeshiva University. The ability to con- consulate as well as a possible inter- nect with seasoned professionals on a national trade legal internship pro- private and secure platform within the gram for a Cardozo student. This trusted YU alumni network is novel “will hopefully result in beneficial and exceedingly valuable.” business connections,” said Strauss. The well-structured, vibrant web- Heller sees ALUMinate as “a won- site allows students to create a profile derful opportunity for connection in which you can share professional and growth.” and personal information with fellow The site has had major growth alums. It’s a safe space for alumni to since it was first rolled out in the come to seek anything from profes- past few months. As students con- sional advice, to job opportunities, to tinue to graduate and join the site, connections in the plethora of fields in the networking potential will grow, which YU alumni are involved. providing more and more diverse As Suzy Schwartz, assistant avenues for entrepreneurial and vice president for alumni affairs and highly achieving alumni to strive for strategic development, was quoted success. saying in YU News, “ALUMinate is a wonderful demonstration that mem-

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 8 Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776

YCSA and SCWSC invite you to the 2nd annual YESHIVA UNIVERSITY LIBERAL ARTS FESTIVAL Dedicated in memory of Dr. Thomas Otway

TUESDAY APRIL 19TH 8:00 PM WEISSBERG COMMONS UNDERGRADUATE JOURNAL LAUNCH: The Journal of Fine Arts - The Political Science Journal - CHRONOS - Undergraduate Research Abstracts - Derech HaTeva WITH performances by the Jazz and Rock Ensembles and a viewing of

a short student film

Hors d’oeuvres and mocktails will be served

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Features 9 RAK and The Jewish Home: New Initiatives Create Communities, Avoid Structure By David Rubinstein Wilf Campus and expand to “other campuses, in New in 2014 is currently an instructor in the Isaac Breuer York and farther,” including the Beren Campus. College of Hebraic Studies and in the James Striar For Ilan Farber, this year has been busy and ful- If RAK seeks to forge ties between YU students School of General Jewish Studies. He previously filling both in class and beyond the academic cur- and the community around them, the Jewish Home’s served as assistant rabbi at the Carlebach Shul on riculum. Farber, a junior from Toronto studying mission is to build a community YU students cur- the Upper West Side. biology and , takes a full Yeshiva College rently lack one. The Jewish Home, which is led and Rabbi Danieli’s warmth and welcoming personal- course load. But in addition to his class work, Farber attended by YU students and alumni, is not officially ity is among the foremost draws to the Jewish Home. has been hard at work creating opportunities for YU affiliated with YU. “Gaby Danieli is what makes the Jewish Home have students to find fulfillment in their lives both during Farber, one of the students who spearheaded the its special flavor,” Farber remarked. “He has a net- the week through the Random Acts of Kindness club Jewish Home’s initiation this year, described the work of guys from IBC and Mechina who are very and on weekends, at the Jewish Home. movement as fulfilling the need, unserved by YU, for close with him. They don’t see a divide between stu- The two initiatives have a lot in common, even “informal version of religious life on campus.” dent and teacher.” if they are not always thought of together. For one, The Jewish Home seeks to offer “an alternative Ari Drazin, a junior studying finance who fre- Ilan Farber is intimately involved in both. Beyond experiential outlet and catering to the needs of the quents the Jewish Home, said that “it all starts with this, however, they are both outlets for and sources demographic that would otherwise not attend ex- Rabbi Danieli, who has a way about him that makes of meaning in the lives of YU students. And perhaps tracurricular Jewish programming at university.” It everything so much fun and inspiring at the same most strikingly, both seek to foster a sense of com- does so through its primary program: Friday night time.” And what inspires Drazin the most about the munity informal structures. prayer services that consist of “passionate singing, Jewish Home, he said, is “ how it makes serving God Random Acts of Kindness, referred to as “RAK,” lively dancing, and inspiring short-thoughts from so enjoyable. I always leave the Jewish Home not is a club that coordinates initiatives that focus on only having had a great time, but with a greater giving to other people and making people’s day “IF RAK SEEKS TO FORGE TIES feeling of closeness to God than I had before.” better, specifically in unexpected ways. According to Rabbi Danieli, the idea of the Presently, RAK is hosting the social media ini- BETWEEN YU STUDENTS AND THE Jewish Home has been in works for years dating tiative “What’s Your RAK,” in which participants back to when he was a student at YU (“it wasn't share images of themselves engaging in acts of COMMUNITY AROUND THEM, THE called the Jewish Home then,” he reminds us). In kindness. The unstructured nature of the initia- JEWISH HOME’S MISSION IS TO BUILD the past year, however, the Jewish Home “sprout- tive encourages even those who are not commit- ed and blossomed to [include] a wider student ted RAK members to promulgate acts of kindness. A COMMUNITY WITHIN YU FOR THOSE body and community because the students them- This winter, RAK sponsored hot chocolate for selves -- like Ilan [Farber] -- and other chevre passerby on the Wilf Campus and distributed bot- WHO CURRENTLY LACK ONE.” and alumni of my IBC class have invested in it.” tles of water to weary travelers at the 181st Unaffiliated with Yeshiva University, Street 1 train subway station. funding can potentially be hard to come by. The RAK concept was conceived last year Despite this, Farber relates that current stu- by Yaakov Green, a biology major at York dents, and especially alumni, are excited to University in Ontario, Canada. The club donate to the cause they wish had been around soon became the largest on campus. Inspired when they studied at YU. Farber also noted by the RAK idea and the success it showed that the Israeli restaurant Golan Heights has at York, Farber began trying to start a RAK been particularly generous, sponsoring large chapter at YU. quantities of food. Current students have also RAK at YU didn’t start, however, until contributed on a more individual level by par- Avi Kohanzadeh approached Farber with his ticipating in the Jewish Home’s BYOB policy parallel interest in starting a RAK chapter. for the meal following the prayers. “As soon as Avi approached me,” Farber re- Farber said that the Jewish Home is inten- lated, “I knew that RAK could start. Here was tionally unaffiliated with Yeshiva University. someone who was equally passionate as me.” “We don’t need that added pressure of YU Kohanzadeh, RAK co-president and a pre- telling us what to do,” he said. “We don’t need med junior majoring in biology, explained YU’s logo -- I don’t think that would be condu- his inspiration for starting the club: “I come cive or good for growth.” Farber also said that from a small college town in Ontario, Canada affiliating with Yeshiva University “makes it where the small Jewish community is very more organized; this is something that’s for closely interconnected and is also very con- the people, by the people, and there’s some- nected to the greater community surround- thing about that that’s sweet.” Rabbi Danieli ing it.” Kohanzadeh found that YU didn’t did not comment about the Jewish Home have the close-knit college community with staying unaffiliated with YU. which he was familiar. Despite being unaffiliated with YU, the Farber echoed that in his experience, Jewish Home does characterize itself as “an “sometimes, YU feels like a commuter school. alternate way to fostering a powerful and You have a vibrant student body but there meaningful Yeshiva University experience.” isn’t such a strong sense of community.” This is perhaps in recognition that most of Kohanzadeh explained that through RAK, the Jewish Home’s constituents do have YU “we wanted to change this reality and con- affiliation. nect our university campus internally. We also want- Looking to the future, Farber expressed ed to establish a warm, close-knit community with Rabbi Danieli,” according to the Jewish Home’s pro- more optimism for the Jewish Home than for RAK. the remainder of the neighborhood.” motional flyer for potential sponsors. “Involvement has never been an issue for the Jewish Both Kohanzadeh and Farber emphasized the Friday nights at the Jewish home have been at- Home,” Farber said. He would like to see the prin- importance of “randomness” in the acts of kindness tended by a range of 30 - 50, according to Farber, ciples of the Jewish Home extended even to Rabbi organized by RAK. “The ‘random’ aspect is a call to including a visit by Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky, Associate Danieli’s IBC classes, perhaps in the form of a class action for all our members,” Kohanzadeh explained. Dean of Undergraduate Torah Studies at YU. that would have class meetings in the more informal “Kindness does not always require a direct or spe- Rabbi Gaby Danieli, spiritual leader of the Jewish setting of Rabbi Danieli’s home. cific subject, or agenda. Random acts of kindness can Home, said that the Jewish Home services “lots of Rabbi Danieli is hopeful that the Jewish Home be anything and be done anywhere by anyone. Our the chevre [who] need an alternative place to daven, will “continue to to give and provide what the chevre goal is to use a similar form of randomness to pro- have a warm, tasty meal with friends, and be needs and wants -- to inspire and be inspired to have mote kindness that can be spontaneously manifested a part of a learning group.” The Jewish Home, he re- fun being Jewish, smile when we learn, and sing everywhere by anyone.” flected, has been able “to create a micro-community when we pray.” Farber explained that RAK’s initiatives aren’t ran- that welcomes everyone.” The rise in popularity both of RAK and the Jewish dom to him -- “that’s the irony. They are random for “I also believe lots of the chevre come because Home seem to highlight a common thread. RAK is the recipients of what we give out.” they feel accepted regardless of who they are,” Rabbi intentionally random and the Jewish Home is inten- Looking ahead, Farber expressed some apprehen- Danieli said. “We give them authentic Judaism -- tionally outside of the YU framework. As the two ini- sion about the future of the club. He expects involve- spirituality, but with a smile and hug and lots of sim- tiatives seek to create communities for YU students, ment to be a challenge for RAK, especially if he is cha. It's the same cake that everyone else is serving, they find it best to avoid structure. not at YU next year to steward its growth. He does, but we add sprinkles on top and chocolate syrup!” however, hope that RAK can continue to grow on the Rabbi Danieli, who received ordination from RIETS

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 10 Features Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 The New Syms Jewish Cores- Values Versus Texts By Michael Klein only worth two credits. However, there were review the real world. sessions held by TAs which were helpful in aiding the Another reason for focusing on values, rather This past year, the Sy Syms School of Business students to understand the depth and spectrum of than texts, is the disparity between students. With decided to revolutionize its General Education re- Rabbi Schacter’s lectures. The impression made was classmates on such different levels of Hebrew com- quirements within Jewish Studies. In the past, prehension and exposure to Judaism, it is nearly Syms students, just like Yeshiva College students, impossible for the professors to cater to all of them were required to take 20 credits of academic Jew- “IN SUCH A HIGH-PRESSURED in textual understanding. This, as mentioned previ- ish Studies courses on the Wilf Campus. Of these ously, will also be a challenge in the current system, 20 credits, six were from , eight ENVIRONMENT, HOW ARE WE TO but it is far easier to teach values, which are equal were from (two-credit) Bible classes, and six were MAINTAIN OUR INTEGRITY AND to all, than scriptural texts. Additionally, many stu- from (three-credit) Jewish History classes. Now, dents complained that this part of their education Dr. Moses Pava, the Dean of Syms, has changed the CONDUCT BUSINESS PROPERLY was previously irrelevant. Students feel that they requirements by offering two options for business will never be asked to explain age-old texts, so it students: either follow the YC core curriculum (like IN CONSISTENCE WITH OUR shouldn’t be a core part of their education. the old Syms requirements), or take the new Syms JEWISH PRINCIPLES?” So why hasn’t Yeshiva College made the transi- cores. The Syms cores consist of three consecutive tion as well? Because their administration believes Jewish studies classes, each offered only once per that the understanding of Jewish scripts and history year. Additionally, students are obligated to take is an integral part of our Jewish identity, said Dean Business and Jewish Law, taught by both Rabbi Ozer that Rabbi Schacter and his TAs were more interested Pava. For this reason, Dean Pava is still allowing stu- Glickman and Rabbi Daniel Feldman, during a se- in the students gaining from the class and participat- dents to choose between the YC and Syms core Jew- mester of the their choosing. ing in it, than in testing them on their memorization ish programs. We have the power to choose what we So far, only one of these new courses has been giv- skills of different opinions. One particular challenge feel is more central to our growth in Judaism. Dean en- “Jewish Engagements: Jewish Values in a Con- for Rabbi Schacter, and presumably the rest of the Pava also hopes that YU will become the forefront of temporary World,” taught by Rabbi Jacob J. Schact- professors in this series, is catering to such a wide a revolution amongst yeshivot and educational insti- er, Senior Scholar at Yeshiva University's Center for audience. Students from all different backgrounds tutions to place a much stronger emphasis on values the Jewish Future. The second course in the new and identities are taking the same class, so it will be and application of Judaism to contemporary society curriculum, titled “Jewish Values in a Contempo- difficult to keep everyone captivated without letting rather than the more traditional focuses of expound- rary Society,” will be taught by Dr. Daniel Rynhold, pupils fall behind. The review sessions with TAs were ing texts and the past. This revolutionary method of an Associate Professor of Modern Jewish Philosophy helpful, and they will be the key for future classes to educating is what Dean Pava hopes will become the in Revel Graduate School. The third and final course ensure everyone is on the same page. standard for all Jewish institutions throughout the has not yet been finalized, but it will focus on being Dean Pava explained the reasoning behind the world. a leader while upholding Jewish values, according change in curriculum. He believes that young adults to Dean Pava. It will likely be called “Jewish Public in the business world will be confronted with situ- Policy”. ations which will cause conflicts between business There have been some rumors swirling that intellect and Jewish values. In such a high-pressured President Richard Joel might teach or co-teach the environment, how are we to maintain our integrity course. After all, who better to teach a course about and conduct business properly in accordance with incorporating Judaism into leadership than the our Jewish principles? This is the purpose of this President who advocates shleimut, the combination new series: to instill students with the necessary of Torah and secular matters? However, when asked tools to be successful in the business world, while about the opening, Joel responded that he declined upholding the values of Judaism. To paraphrase to teach the course, noting that he wasn’t the appro- Dean Pava, if one wanted to study Judaic texts and priate person. Said Joel, “I’m happy to teach, and I history, one could go to just about any college and want to teach more. I’m happy to give a course on find similar courses, often taught by religious Jews. leadership, or on management, or an elective on how What makes Yeshiva University unique is that it in- leadership and Jewish values intersect. But I believe stills Jewish values and focuses more on develop- that the courses in the Syms core should be taught ing individuals than on studying texts and history. by a legitimate, bona-fide, Jewish academic. I might “Business students especially need to be equipped be a legitimate Jew, and a knowing Jew. But these with courses dealing head on with these issues, rath- courses need legitimate Torah content -- legitimate er than extrapolating on their own,” says Dean Pava. Jewish academic content.“ The cores have become more practical than theoreti- With such a star-studded line up, expectations are cal. This focus on real-world application is especially running high. I was lucky enough to participate in critical for Syms students, as such conflicts of values Rabbi Schacter’s “Jewish Engagements” class, which are quite frequent in the business world. Be it a con- was stimulating and practical for everyday life. There flict as grand as the Volkswagen scandal or as small were some mixed feelings amongst the students due as junior analysts cheating on their company exams, to the fact that there were many weekly reading as- moral dilemmas come up all the time. We need to be signments, especially considering that the class was firm in our beliefs and Jewish values to succeed in

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Features 11 The Atheist in the Closet

By Yitzchak Fried ist this year. Since “coming out”, he has connected with losing belief. Becoming an atheist, she said, with many other non-believers; it was through him “wasn't some callous combination of cynicism and Jewish parents want their kids to be like them. that I first learned of the sheer number of them, arrogance, but a…process of realizing that you don't This is understandable: most parents do. In Juda- both on campus and in the wider Orthodox world. believe in everything you held sacred in the world. ism, however, the expectation that children assume The religious YU community, including yeshiva Of desperately wanting to be wrong and grasping at their parents’ values and lifestyle takes on a spe- boys who spend their mornings studying Talmud straws to hold onto faith…” For those like her, the cial urgency. It is no accident that the Torah per- and who share divrei torah at Friday night Shabbos path to atheism is painful, protracted and unex- sonifies the relationship between God and Israel as meals, turns out to harbor many closet atheists. As pected. Mark, too, falls into this category and was that of a parent and child: “Will you disobey God? one might imagine, living as an atheist under these willing to share some of his memories: “My friend Oh foolish and unwise nation! He is your father… circumstances is miserable. There are scant places called me – he was having a crisis of belief. I prided ”(Deuteronomy 32). Judaism can conceive of no in YC where an atheist can feel comfortable openly myself on being a thoughtful person, on not shy- more authoritative source of demands on one’s per- discussing his beliefs. To do so risks ostracization, ing away from difficult questions and having faith sonal behavior than allegiance to one’s parents. And especially for those whose primary peer group was in [the possibility of] honest answers. He thought I in a nation with a strong historical memory, the line formed in a yeshiva. Yosef spent years quietly clos- could set him straight. He was wrong. We talked for of parents reaches far back into time: Jewish parents eted. And, as he’s learned, so have many others. hours. He pointed out my own assumptions…When impress upon their children the same demands that It’s interesting to speculate what these nonbe- I hung up the phone, I was scared.” In the confu- their parents made upon them. Twenty-first-century lievers have in common. As far as I can tell, it’s not sion that followed, Mark looked desperately for clo- America is no Russian village, but we can still hear much. Each person I meet who confides that they are sure. “It was like finding the ground pulled out from the fiddler’s tones and the adamant cry of under me. I cried a lot. I couldn’t see how I “Tradition!” would ever get back my belief, but I felt I had But, Judaism is more than a religion of tra- "THE RELIGIOUS YU COMMUNITY, to try. I spoke to two of my rebbeim, both of dition. It is a religion of ideas. Despite efforts INCLUDING YESHIVA BOYS WHO SPEND whom I respected a great deal. I remember to characterize it to the contrary, its truth has the first time I sat down to speak with one of always been its foundational principle and THEIR MORNINGS STUDYING TALMUD AND them...I was shaking. My rebbe asked me ‘Are the underlying source of its ethical demands. you cold?’ and I told him, no, I just can’t stop It was the quest for truth that motivated the WHO SHARE DIVREI TORAH AT FRIDAY shaking.” Mark spent extra years in yeshiva Jewish philosophers of the middle-ages, the NIGHT SHABBOS MEALS, TURNS OUT TO in the hope that he would recover his faith. legal interpreters of the Second Temple era By the time he entered YU, he was an atheist. and the prophets before them. And truth, un- HARBOR MANY CLOSET ATHEISTS." Regardless of how one comes to atheism, like tradition, is a profoundly individualistic the subsequent isolation is painful. Many of project. To know what is true is an epistemo- Yosef’s friends speak frankly of depression, logical journey. It involves thinking, not belonging. of feeling rootless, of their sense that they are hid- Judaism’s plea for continuity, its emphasis on com- den pariahs. They struggle with relationships with munity and filial loyalty, is thus tempered by its cor- their parents and family. Some have told their par- relate command to value what is true. ents of their beliefs. Some haven’t. There is perhaps no more striking example of If you’ve been watching the winds, the rise of the individualized and ideational nature of Juda- closet atheism in the Orthodox world is not news. ism than a responsum from the thirteenth century Jay Lefkowitz’s 2014 article in Commentary maga- Talmudist, Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet (Rashba). Like zine flagged the existence of “Social Orthodoxy”, a many mediaeval Jewish philosophers, Rashba was sector of the Jewish community that comfortably frank on the matter of faith. When asked to explain identifies (as least amongst themselves) as atheists the fundamentals of Jewish belief contained in the or agnostics. This group, however, is deeply com- paragraph of the shema, he responded: “[We] were mitted to a (at least partially) halachic lifestyle. As commanded to listen (to theological teachings) and Lefkowitz explains: “Social Orthodox Jews fully em- to study them, for if we do not hear and study them brace Jewish culture and Jewish community. And we will never come to contemplate them. And af- they are committed to the survival of the Jewish peo- ter we listen to, study and analyze them well to see ple. Indeed, that is their raison d’être. Furthermore, whether there is any contradictory proof, Heaven because religious practice is an essential component forbid, and after our studies lead us to true analysis, of Jewish continuity, Social Orthodox Jews are ob- our analysis will bring us and compel us…to accept servant—and not because they are trembling before and believe that God exists, and that he oversees our God…And so for me, and I imagine for many others actions” (Vol. 5, Res. 55). like me, the key to Jewish living is not our religious For Rashba, commitment to Judaism is the out- beliefs but our commitment to a set of practices and come of a personal, rational judgement: a rational an atheist has a different story: a different family, values that foster community and continuity.” judgement that means considering the possibility – a different educational and religious background. Lefkowitz is comfortable acknowledging his own “Heaven forbid” – that Judaism is false. As his words Some were very devoted, even “intense”, while still non-belief while still identifying strongly with Or- show, he was deeply convinced that an individual’s religious. As one friend, who I share with Yosef, thodox practice. This differentiates him from the honest assessment would validate the fundamentals joked: “I was the annoying religious type.” To take people I’ve described above. This group doesn’t find of Jewish faith. But as is the case with all think- a different example, Jack (not his real name; all Lefkowitz’s solution to the belief/community con- ing, a personal assessment is, well, personal. One is names in this article have been changed), grew up flict appealing. For some of them, commitment to blessed when this personal assessment runs the way in Brooklyn, spent time in the Mir, and attended an Judaism was always more rooted in Judaism’s theol- the Rashba hoped. In that case, one’s inner world ultra-orthodox yeshiva in the Haredi city of Betar Il- ogy – its account of human existence and its man- of thought corresponds with the demands of family, lit. Others come from mainstream, modern orthodox date to the individual -- than in its group identity. community and history. But when this meditation circles. Akiva and Chaim are both graduates of Yeshi- After the intensity of a religious experience invested doesn’t run the way Rashba anticipated – when the vat Sha’alvim. Baruch is a Gush alum. Then there’s with cosmic significance, Lefkowitz’s view of Juda- value of truth leads an individual to negate Juda- Ike, a soon-to-be law school graduate who spent two ism seems disappointing. Others find Lefkowitz’s ism’s fundamental beliefs – then a person has a seri- years in Kerem B’Yavneh. Nearly all -- with the ex- position to be inevitably compromising, given that ous problem. The two most important values of his ception of Jack, who has since transferred to UPenn comes with normative beliefs or her upbringing -- commitment to truth and com- and stopped wearing a yarmulke -- describe them- about women, homosexuals, and non-Jews that, mitment to tradition -- collide. selves as “closet atheists”. even through the most liberal of lenses, differ from To Orthodox society, such a person presents a co- Each has their own story of coming to non-be- those of the avowedly secular. Theirs is the rationale nundrum. This is not the familiar problem of how lief. Yosef’s doubt grew out of an argument with his (although not the conclusion) of Joshua Fattal, in to deal with the apathetic or rebellious child, the chavrusa over the basis of rabbinic exegesis. Some his article for Tablet, “The Problem With Social Or- question of how to draw those distant back into the claim that they never “really believed” but that they thodoxy”. Fattal cringed at the contradiction within fold. It is not the question of what resources should “wanted to”. They hoped that dis-belief was some- Social Orthodoxy between belief and practice – ul- be made available to a young (or old) Jew who has thing you grew out of -- like acne or a bad habit -- timately a contradiction between communal values doubts. This is the question of how Orthodox par- and that, at any rate, yeshivot or seminaries would and private conscience. But while Fattal argues that ents should deal with their sons and daughters – re- certainly quell their doubts. But when the anticipat- Orthodoxy should evolve to reflect modern Jews’ sponsible, thoughtful, conscientious people – who ed belief failed to materialize, they realized that they beliefs, the atheists I know respect the integrity of turn to them one day and say, “I don’t believe.” What were in trouble. Orthodox Judaism too much to accommodate such I’ve come to learn is that the number of people who A friend of mine, who’s an atheist, agreed to re- fit this category is surprisingly large. view an earlier draft of this essay. She e-mailed me SEE ATHEIST, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 A good friend of mine, Yosef, came out as an athe- that I’d neglected to discuss the pain that comes

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 12 Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776

Thinking about your summer plans?

SPEND YOUR SUMMER WORKING WITH YACHAD SUMMER PROGRAMS! Staff one of our 25+ coed and gender specific programs

------APPLY TODAY! ------Visit www.njcd.org/summer/become-a-summer-staff-member or call 212.613.8369 for more information ------

Yachad/NJCD is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life.

Yachad is an Agency of the

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Features 13

IBC, CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Of course, the main way IBC desires to help its stu- latter will be run by Rabbi Gaby Danelli and will ensure dents is by offering them classes that really stimulate that students are able to learn Torah daily without feel- allow students to begin their IBC careers knowing that their minds and that deepen their love for Torah. “En- ing too overwhelmed by their schedules. In addition, for they are part of a warm family made up of Rabbeim and gaging and stimulating courses will serve to enhance the the first time, Sy Syms students will be able to take all fellow talmidim. program for students who prefer learning in classroom of their Academic Jewish Studies requirements as part In the beginning of this year, IBC made a significant settings. We are offering a variety of subjects ranging of IBC. change in its daily schedule to create more opportunities from the thought of Rav Kook to Rabbi Samson Re- These changes in IBC will truly solidify its status as for students to build relationships with their Rabbeim. fael Hirsch, to Jews in Medieval Islam, and the laws of the morning program that is most flexible to its students. Classes were shortened by around twenty minutes each. ,” said Rabbi Kalinsky. These changes are likely just the tip of the iceberg for This change allows many students to have free time at One particular group of students that IBC tries to ap- the how program will continue to improve in the future noon, a slot that is now specifically designated for stu- peal to are those students who came to the administra- in response to its students’ needs. dents to speak with their Rabbeim over lunch. In the tion at the end of last semester requesting that there be upcoming year, students and Rabbeim will continue to more academically rigorous courses. In response to their be encouraged to take advantage of this time and build request, a class was created given by Rabbi Ozer Glick- those close relationships that will truly enhance the en- man on Jewish Philosophy which featured this compo- tire IBC experience. nent of rigor and academic scholarship. In the upcoming Other efforts to increase camaraderie among the stu- semester, Rabbi Glickman will be giving another class dent body and Rabbeim include several on-campus com- entitled P’sak from Talmudic Times until To- munal Shabbat meals and speakers. Additionally, Rab- day. In addition, Rabbi Hayyim Angel will be giving a beim made more of an effort to invite students over to class in which he will seek to discover the shleimut be- their houses for Shabbat as well as for the Purim Seudah. tween classical Yeshiva understandings of Tanach and There are plans for more Shabbatons and Shabbat in- those of academia. In addition, Rabbi Yosef Bronstein vites next year. will be teaching a new course on the Thought of the IBC also prides itself on placing more of a focus on Lubavitcher Rebbe, and Dr. Aaron Koller will be teach- experiential learning for its students. On April 5th, ing a course on Akeidat Yitzchak. Rabbi Rofeh brought 58 students to Paterson, New Jer- In addition to the classes that are meant for students sey, where they met with shochet and former IBC staff looking for academic rigor, IBC also has many classes member Rabbi Avidan Elkin. There they watched several that appeal to other types of students. Many classes, animals being slaughtered and learned many of the in- such as the Freshman Seminar, are geared towards stu- tricate Halachot of shechitah and kashrut. Rabbi Rofeh dents who do best in a more informal and intimate learn- plans on having more experiential learning opportuni- ing environment. ties in the coming semesters. “We were able to attract In order to further accommodate the students and 58 students without even advertising other than word of their busy schedules, the upcoming semester will offer mouth. This shows that there is a strong interest in hav- more opportunities for students to take online courses, ing these kinds of programs,” said Rabbi Rofeh. and will also expand the “Night Seder” class option. The

ATHEIST, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 freshing. Rabbi Avi Weiss’s Open Orthodoxy is prob- Mishael and Azaria thrown in a fiery furnace. I hope I ably the latest attempt to adapt Judaism, as much as don’t offend people by using heroes of faith to evoke tampering. They are ironically “frum” atheists. possible, to modern thinking and values. But the con- sympathy for atheists. But closet atheists face a simi- Their attitude reminds me of an 1886 address sequences of following Fattal’s approach have been lar choice between integrity and conformity. from rabbi and Assyriologist Morris Jastrow Jr., son dire: the RCA has declared the movement beyond the It’s interesting that Orthodoxy shares many of its of Marcus Jastrow of Jastrow dictionary. Jastrow Jr. pale of Orthodox life. The title of a 2015 article in The fundamental values with the people it most demon- wrote “Jews and Judaism” the week that he stepped Jewish Press, “Saying Kaddish for Open Orthodoxy”, izes. Morality, truth and existential meaning are just down from the position of synagogue Lecturer, an an- seems to reflect the general sentiment of the Ortho- as important to atheists as to theists. They are the tiquated post roughly equal in importance to commu- dox world. In some respects, then, atheists give tra- values that drive the atheists I have been describ- nity rabbi. A short article in the New York Times sum- ditional Orthodoxy something to be grateful for. They ing. A poll by the Pew Research Center in 2015 found marized his decision: “A man could be a Jew but not both hold beliefs to be foundational to Judaism and that 31% of American atheists “feel a deep sense of necessarily believe in the doctrine of Judaism, which respect the integrity of those beliefs. That is precisely spiritual peace and well-being at least weekly”; 35% demanded a belief in the divinity of the Ten Com- why they cannot reconcile themselves with it. “often think about the meaning and purpose of life” mandments, the divine authorship of the Scriptures The question is: How should Orthodoxy respond and over half (54%) “frequently feel a deep sense of and that Judaism had a special mission among the to these people? In some respects, it is silly to speak wonder about the universe”. These people are not re- nations. To this [Jastrow] could not subscribe, and of a communal response to atheists. Each person who ligious. But as one rabbi I know put it, these are “re- refused to maintain a position demanding adherence defects from his or her Judaism faces unique parents, ligious feelings”. to such doctrines. Judaism was a religion of dogmas, siblings and friends; settling each of those concrete Obviously, Orthodoxy relies on more specific and as such he could not accept it.” The drama of his relationships is a deeply personal affair. However, claims than “sensing wonder in the universe” or decision was intense: Jastrow Jr. was only twenty five there is one aspect of this painful process that is com- “thinking about the meaning and purpose of life”. at the time, and the community rabbi was none other munal and which begs our attention. This is the taboo Orthodoxy is based on particular historical events than his own father. within Orthodox society against atheism. Obviously, – God’s covenant with our forefathers, the Exodus, Jastrow Jr. also felt that Judaism could not be Orthodox Jews are stridently not atheists. I mean and the divine revelation at Sinai. Atheists deny these compromised because of Jews’ changing beliefs and something else: that for many Jews, atheism is per- historical claims; their universe lacks the warmth of values. You either accepted the fundamentals of the ceived as the worst form of moral degradation and a divine relationship. But they don’t deny the under- religion, or you didn’t. And the worldviews associated intellectual dishonesty. I believe that this attitude is lying values that Orthodox Jews hold dear. I was sit- with each stance were, at some point, incompatible. actually a part of contemporary religious education. ting with Yosef and a group of friends when some- In his words: “In the collection of legends and tales Like the tzduki or Roman of Talmudic tales, the athe- one asked: “Who here is a proud Jew?” Nearly all re- known as the , there is a story told to illus- ist or maskil is the archetypal, arrogant antagonist. sponded with a loud “Sure.” These people value their trate the particular hospitality of…Sodom. It is said The Orthodox attitude toward someone with the hu- Judaism, admire their people’s history and speak that they had a room, containing a bed of a certain bris to be an open atheist takes a leaf from the Hagga- fondly of much of religious life. They just don’t be- size, which they placed at the disposal of strangers. If da: “For since he removes himself from the commu- lieve Judaism is true. the bed was too short, they cut off the stranger’s legs nity, he denies the (faith’s) fundamentals. And you The “anti-atheist” taboo serves a purpose. For Or- until he could accommodate himself to it; if it was too - blunt his teeth!” But there is nothing about atheism, thodoxy, Judaism is not a reasonable possibility – it long they stretched his limbs. It is much the same way per se, that makes one immoral or intellectually dis- is a communal reality. And taboos play an important Judaism is treated today. We stretch it or shorten it honest. The atheists that I know are neither. This is role in demarcating the boundaries of possibility. If to suit our convenience; we fashion it according to not the place to discuss morality without God or why you want to ensure your children’s faith, it’s useful our views. Now, I do not believe we are obliged to some intellects find atheism more reasonable than to establish strong walls between “us” and “them”. fashion our views according to it, but we are certainly theism. But it is a place to hold up this taboo for our Maybe such walls are necessary. If atheists must suf- not justified in compounding any mixture we please collective scrutiny. fer for their nonbelief, if they must choose between and labeling it Judaism” (“Jews and Judaism”, 9). Orthodox Jews who believe in practice motivated living a lie and living stigmatized, so be it. Perhaps For Jastrow, like the NYT article reported, Judaism by belief cannot fail to realize that observance, too, is this essay is a misguided, foolish attempt to call at- “was a religion of dogmas”. And his respect for those an act of agency. The decision to serve rests not in the tention to something better left unspoken; if that is dogmas precluded the attitudes of either Lefkowitz or force of tradition, but in decisions and beliefs con- the consensus, I bow out. But if Orthodoxy insists on Fattal. structed in the inner sanctum of one’s mind. Ortho- treating atheism as something monstrous and degen- Orthodox Jews who hold belief central to the in- dox tradition admires those willing to suffer for their erate, how does it reckon with the human cost? Or is tegrity of Orthodoxy will find Jastrow’s attitude re- beliefs -- think of Daniel in the lion’s den, Chanania, that question, too, best swept under the rug?

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 14 Features Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 An Inside Look at Upcoming Housing Changes on the Wilf Campus

By Doron Levine dergo major structural changes, some interior ele- which lack safe spaces for cooking. Appliances (and, ments will be upgraded to facilitate a more enjoyable for that matter, ingredients) will not be provided by Most YU students probably ignore most of the housing experience. Students who live in Rubin Hall the university – students who wish to cook will need ystuds they receive. But if you’ve kept abreast of the have learned to dread the end of the spring semester to bring their own electric heat-generating devices constant tidal wave of announcements flooding your and the beginning of the fall semester when the hot such as crockpots, Panini presses, electric grills, hot inbox, you might have noticed that, a few weeks ago, sun beats down on Rubin’s dark brick exterior and water heaters, and Shabbos hot plates, and use them President Joel announced plans for a number of im- the building comes to resemble an oversized toast- to whip up Shabbos or weekday meals for them- provements to student housing on both undergradu- er, baking its unfortunate inhabitants to a crisp. To selves and their lucky friends. ate campuses. combat this oppressive heat, air conditioners will In anticipation of a resultant uptick in food in- These exciting changes have been in the works soon be installed in every room in Rubin Hall. This take, the dormitories will also see upgrades at the for some time now, and many of the ideas actually process will begin after students move out for the other end of the digestive process; the bathrooms in stem from student input. A group of RA’s and stu- summer, and the air conditioning is expected to be Morg and Rubin will be receiving new lighting, cub- dents who reside in the dormitories presented a list installed and functional by the time students move bies for storage, and new shower curtains. of possible improvements to Rabbi Brander and in for the fall semester. Through channels of student feedback, the ad- Dean Nissel who, together with Wilf Campus Asso- But even while temperatures drop in the newly ministration has learned that students in the dor- ciate Director of University Housing and Residence air-conditioned Rubin dorms, its residents will have mitories lack appropriate spaces to hang out and Life Jonathan Schwab, discussed the various sug- the opportunity to turn up the heat; in response to unwind. To fill this void, many dormitory lounges gestions and came up with a list of key renovations. repeated requests from students, the university will are being made more conducive to relaxation. The Though this degree of student involvement in major be creating communal cooking spaces in the dormi- Burdick Lounge in the basement of Morg will be re- decisions might seem unusual for YU, Mr. Schwab tory lounges for food preparation. Seven such fa- ceiving a new TV, and a card reader will be installed underscored the administration’s openness to stu- cilities will be installed – three in Morg (floors 4, on the door so that only dorm students can access dents’ suggestions: “we are always open to ideas; 6, and 8), two in Muss (floors 3 and 4), and two in this room (and, for that matter, only students who if any students – residents or not – have any, we’d Rubin (floors 3 and 6), though the specific layout of have traded in their old ID’s for a new one). The love to hear them.” In fact, students who live off- the cooking spaces will be different for each build- lounges on each floor in Rubin and Morg, which, as campus were also involved in the planning stages of ing. Each space will include tiled backsplash walls, of now, are simply converted dorm rooms, will be these renovations – the administration assembled stainless steel counters, additional electric wiring to made much more lounge-like – the closets have al- and questioned a focus group of students who live in support appliances, a sink to allow students to wash ready been removed from these rooms and the sinks local apartments to get a sense of what factors mo- their dishes and appliances, and a table and chairs are being replaced with water fountains. In the com- tivate students to live off campus and improve on- for eating. These specialized spaces will help to ing months, new furniture, TV’s, and video game campus housing accordingly. keep the rooms safe and clean even in the presence While none of the dormitory buildings will un- of generated heat, a serious concern in dormitories SEE HOUSING, CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

PLAY, CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE duct. I think these issues arise from constant fluctua- individual narratives. Props are limited to stools and tions in Thomas’ attitude demanded by the script, and the occasional beer bottle, and while scenes take place relationships, motivations, and fast-paced conversa- I believe Teitz does the most he can with a character in dozens of settings, there are never any set changes tions. The dialogue, ripe with witty banter, cultural whose temperament seems inconsistent compared to to reflect changes in location. references, and sharp intellect, brings distinct notes the otherwise concrete personalities in the play. At the heart of this play lies the tumultuous rela- of critically acclaimed screenplays such as The Social The score, arranged by Yeshiva College senior tionship between Peters and Greene. In many ways, Network and BBC’s Sherlock. While some references Aryeh Tiefenbrunn, lends a perfect soundtrack to some obvious and some subtle, they are foils for each seem a bit forced (at one point Peters himself admits the story, harmonizing with the mood and accent- other. Peters is charming and likeable, while Greene to “Seinfeld-ing,” assigning catchy titles to everyday ing dramatic moments deftly. The set, which doesn’t is strategy-minded and occasionally abrasive. Pe- events), others land perfectly and lend an upbeat and change throughout the entire play, is very minimalist. ters, whose favorite book (“It’s actually a play,” ribs modern quality to the script. Greene) is Death of a Salesman, identifies with Multiple timelines and narrators, while Willy Loman, a character motivated solely by useful for conveying the themes and deep “FROM THE VERY FIRST SCENE, a burning desire to be liked. Peters doesn’t re- undercurrents of the play, make it diffi- ally care much for politics, only pursuing it cult to follow the first act, which is jam- SHUCHATOWITZ HITS THE GROUND because he craves the adoration of the public. packed with exposition of the characters. RUNNING, PULLING THE AUDIENCE Meanwhile, Greene seeks to actually make a However, before intermission, when we difference in America, but doesn’t have the are taken far into the past to the moment THROUGH A LABYRINTH OF TIME AND SPACE, charisma to become a politician. Each one when Greene and Peters first meet in col- helps the other to pursue his goals, and nei- lege, the audience can get its bearings SHAPING HIS CHARACTERS THROUGH THEIR ther would thrive without the other, so they and appreciate what lies at the core of the RELATIONSHIPS, MOTIVATIONS, AND FAST- establish a symbiotic relationship. Towards play: the friendship of this unlikely duo. the end of the play, Green, in a moment of re- The second act brings the energy onstage PACED CONVERSATIONS." flection, asks, “Do you think friendship is any- to a new level, ending in a crescendo sure thing other than a person we use to feel better to leave the audience both satisfied and about ourselves and the mistakes we make?” wanting more. Their friendship had always been doomed for Across the board, the acting is truly failure because of its basis upon each charac- commendable. Axel, a YCDS veteran, hits ter’s selfish desires. the nail on the head with his portrayal of In addition to the theme of friendship, the the charming but terribly misguided and play encourages the audience to question the insecure Senator Peters. But the scenes nobility of motivation. While it’s easy to see that shine the most are those featuring Pe- through Peters’ façade (at one point, his es- ters surrounded by his campaign staff, in- tranged wife sharply critiques: “You’ve con- cluding Greene, Paul Union (Gavriel Gutt- fused admiration with love.”), one is left won- man), Kevin (Judah Gavant), and Stan dering if Peters is anything more than a vic- (Binyamin Bixon). The actors have great tim of Greene’s manipulation. Furthermore, chemistry onstage and one can sense the underlying Greene’s supposedly noble moti- camaraderie allowing the dialogue to flow vation to make America a better place is his so naturally. desperation to go down in history and be re- I do offer one minor gripe in the form membered for the difference he made. Greene of Teitz’s Thomas Greene. Greene, a man cannot love or be loved, so he seeks a legacy in- with noble intentions but an inability to stead. At the end of the day, Peters and Greene charm people the way Peters can, is pre- are not so different from one another; the for- sented to us as the best in the business mer craves approval while the latter wants a when it comes to political strategy. Dur- legacy. On the surface, the play’s subtitle, “A ing the campaign he seems confident and commands The stage, brilliantly split into two platforms, physi- Modern Political Tragedy,” would seem to suggest the respect of everybody in the room. However, at oth- cally manifests the conflicting memories of Peters and the tragedy lies in Peters’ untimely death; however, in er times, instead of the poise and gravitas one would Greene. The abstract graffiti-filled backdrop looks like truth, it manifests itself in the very souls of the play’s expect from such a character, we get an anxious, and Uncle Sam’s interpretation of the Wall, per- main characters. They are both tragic figures: David at times desperate, man trying to clear his name and fectly intimating the disorder of American politics and Peters needs to be loved while Thomas Greene does distance himself from the ugliness of Peters’ miscon- the disarray and unreliability of Peters’ and Greene’s not have the capacity to love. WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Features 15

HOUSING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 systems will be installed in the lounges on every floor in Morg and Rubin. Similar spaces will also be cre- ated in new floor lounges on Muss 3 and 4. A new TV will be installed in Muss Hall and water fountains will also be placed on every floor. In addition to these projects, the university is also working on a handful of miscellaneous refurbishings. Hallways and stairwells in Rubin, Muss, and Morg, along with dorm-room doors in Morg, will be receiv- ing a glossy coat of fresh paint. Carpeting will be re- moved from certain spaces in Rubin Hall to give it a crisp and less frizzled look. The Rubin Lobby will be refurbished and the laundry rooms in Morg and Muss will be redone. Weary-legged students will be glad to hear that the elevators in Rubin and Morg will be fixed – the elevators often require maintenance and it is expected that a significant overhaul will greatly reduce elevator downtime. This improvement alone is expected to cost around $30,000. Of course, all of these enhancements come at a cost, most of which will come out of students’ pock- ets – the improvement in the quality of the dorm ex- perience will see a concomitant increase in housing prices. Next year, the annual cost of living in Muss, Rubin, and Morg will be increasing by 300, 750, and 785 dollars respectively (for standard, two-person dorms, but recently more and more first year stu- most notably, YU will be selling the Cardozo student rooms). Small tuition increases are also helping to dents have elected to live elsewhere – local apart- residence on 11th Street called The Alabama. The pay for the project. Aware that rising tuition and ments are often cheaper than the dorms and they al- building is in need of repairs, so rather than invest housing costs are a major concern for students, Rab- low students more space and freedom. In fact, this in this project and seek temporary housing for its bi Brander explained that the plans were formulated year approximately 20% of first year students lived law students, YU will instead sell The Alabama and with an eye towards thrift and frugality. “We exam- move Cardozo student housing to 148 Lexington Av- ined numerous factors to get the most gain for the enue, adjacent to the Schottenstein Residence Hall lowest cost,” said Rabbi Brander. “Taken together, “WHEN THE HOT SUN BEATS on the Beren Campus. Some have expressed concern the entire package of coming to YU went up only DOWN ON RUBIN’S DARK BRICK about housing undergraduate women next to a co-ed 4%.” Though all housing prices are going up, Muss graduate student dorm, but the administration has Hall’s prices will be increased only slightly, so Muss EXTERIOR, THE BUILDING insisted that the buildings will not be connected and continues to be a feasible option for those seeking that all facilities—including lounges, gyms, study economical housing. Moreover, the university will, COMES TO RESEMBLE AN rooms, and laundry rooms—will be separate. The for the first time, be offering housing grants. OVERSIZED TOASTER, BAKING ITS two dormitories will have separate entrances and the An adjustment to the housing rules will also help buildings will have two different addresses. Rabbi to fund the improvements. Students matriculating UNFORTUNATE INHABITANTS TO Brander did not wish to speculate on the price tag of in fall 2016 have been informed that they will be re- The Alabama, but he reiterated that renovations on quired to live in university housing during their first A CRISP.” both undergraduate campuses will be funded by the year on campus. There will be a process for waiving revenue generated by the increased housing prices. this requirement for those who have specific reasons There is also talk of other possible improvements not to live in university housing, but these students off campus. But the administration firmly believes in around campus. The plaza on 185th Street is expect- will be the exception rather than the rule. At the Beren the importance of living on campus, and this belief ed to be redone over the course of this coming year. Campus town hall meeting, President Joel explained is a major factor motivating the dorm renovations. There are no specific plans for Strenger Hall other that this sort of policy is in place at most universities Rabbi Brander explained, “Student success is driving than some cleaning to prepare it for students enrolled similar to ours, and that many universities even have our decisions. From our experience, FTOCs who live in the Post-Pesach Program, but Rabbi Brander con- two-year residency requirements and some even have on campus have a better transition to college life and firmed that there has been talk of knocking it down three. However, this claim can be questioned given take fuller advantage of campus activities.” in order to build new apartment residences (similar the fuzziness of the similarity criterion – Columbia Meal plans will also be changing next year for stu- to what is offered on the Beren Campus) and a guest- University has a similar rule but NYU does not. dents on both campuses to offer students with vary- house for Shabbos. Many students have assumed that our university ing appetites a wider variety of alimentary options. When asked about the upcoming improvements has a rule requiring first year students to live in the The current plan compels students living in universi- to the dorms, Wilf Campus Associate Director of ty housing to sign up for the University Housing and Residence Life Jonathan standard $3400 meal plan, Schwab emphasized that these physical improve- but many students require ments are only one aspect of the changes that are less than the allotted funds, being implemented on the Wilf Campus in order to forcing them to splurge on improve the student experience: “As the Commen- voluminous quantities of tator has already written, the Office of University cookies, soda, and paper Housing and Residence Life, in conjunction with the towels as the year winds Office of Student Life, launched several programs down in order to balance this year focused on creating a warmer, more social, their budget. To avoid this more supportive environment on campus. These in- end-of-semester gluttony, clude Escape the Dorm, Nerf Wars, Dorm Talks, and the university will now of- far more interactive floor parties, which will continue fer two meal plans to first (even more strongly) next year. The renovations and year students and three op- physical changes are not happening in isolation; they tions to returning students, accompany additional programs and ideas that have who will be able to put ei- the common goal of making sure students can suc- ther 4,000, 3,500, or 2,800 ceed at YU – academically, socially, and personally.” dollars on their cafeteria Rabbi Brander similarly explained that the univer- cards. Though the univer- sity has been making a concerted effort to improve sity might lose revenue residence life on campus, and he pointed out that by offering a $2,800 plan, bringing Mr. Jonathan Schwab and Dr. Esty Rollhaus Rabbi Brander emphasized to the uptown campus was motivated by this impulse. that “giving students choice “Dorm life is safer,” said Rabbi Brander, “it leads to is important and appropri- student success but we need to make it warm, person- ate.” able and attractive. Everything that we are trying to Other YU campuses will do both in the programming and the bricks and mor- also see changes to housing tar is reflective of this goal.” and residence life. Perhaps

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 16 Features Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 From The President’s Desk: YSU President Noam Safier on Failing Marriages By Noam Safier Orthodoxy or utter rejection of the mesorah. They leadership to create transparent lines of communi- denounced supporters as misguided Jews, drunk on cation that effuse a deep, sensitive understanding of An unstable marriage can be a source of relentless the feminism that modernity, not Judaism, values. the problem. It is very important that we do not see stress and burden for the people experiencing it and Instead of conveying a sense of understanding and these issues as the sole responsibility of the strug- those around them. When a couple feels they can acceptance, these voices pushed away others and gler to resolve. This “blaming” outlook will develop no longer bear the lifelong commitment they once reinforced the painful, anger-stricken rift that we a relationship that will only worsen when stressed. made to each other, they are forced to acknowledge so clearly find in our community. And, in the short To revert to the example of marriage, therapists em- the uncomfortable divide that exists between them. span of two years, the chasm between the sides has phasize that couples must view problems as not the For many struggling couples, marriage counseling is seemed to increase and grow. responsibility of “him” or “her”, but of “us”. If one an important yet often last resort that can provide When a member of our leadership makes an in- member of the community struggles, the problem them with the tools they need to get their relation- sensitive remark about others’ beliefs or practices, belongs to the collective. ship back on track. The proper therapist can bring it serves only to marginalize and isolate the people As a student leader, I’ve had the opportunity to stability back to the couple and create the frame- they’re referring to. The weight of our rabbinic lead- interact with people on both sides of the issues and work in which they can begin to once again imagine ership is diminishing as a result; their authority, this idea is a product of those conversations. This their lives as a single unit. weakening. Inappropriate statements broadcast a concept, however, is not new. In fact, Rav Kook A marriage is very similar to a community. lack of appreciation for the significance of the prob- espoused the same notions in the early 1900’s. In A community joins together over a shared set of val- lem and understanding of the issue. As a result, out- response to the drastic changes enacted by the En- ues, goals and aspirations, much like a marriage. A side of the walls of YU, and even within them, the lightenment (to be clear, I am NOT comparing the community must make decisions that affect all oth- clout of our leadership is waning. People are increas- changes introduced by some in our community to ers within it and can be fraught with problems, just ingly turned off by a governance they dismiss as “out the Enlightenment but Rav Kook’s response re- like a marriage. And, just as a marriage can fail, so of touch”. Although some in the leadership have mains salient), Rav Kook, who believed there was can a community. made attempts at conveying understanding, these a kernel of truth in every ideology, advocated for a The Modern Orthodox community is like a failing endeavors seem to be overshadowed and outnum- response that stressed sensitivity and warmth. Al- marriage. Changes to traditional, Orthodox practice bered by more negative statements. To be clear, I am though he never shied away from refuting what he has sparked what has metastasized into a full blown not advocating a unilateral embrace of the proposed believed were false claims, he always did so in a way communal schism. For example, disputes regard- changes. Tradition is of the utmost importance to Ju- that communicated kindness and respect. When we ing the place of homosexuality in our community or daism and, I believe, changes should be left only to angrily react to our struggling spouse we push them, those about expanded women’s roles are two of the and a solution, away. major issues tearing at the fabric of our union. Di- “WE MUST LISTEN AND Marriage therapy, although often resisted by vision lines fall among neighbors, friends and fam- struggling couples, has an incredibly high success ily members and tempers flare, quite strikingly. The VALIDATE. WHEN WE DISAGREE, rate. Couples report stronger, healthier relation- problem is growing. We are indeed in a troubled ships after attending a number of sessions with the marriage headed towards divorce. WE MUST DO SO RESPECTFULLY, proper therapist. We must begin to view our com- An oft utilized tool in couples counseling offers BEARING IN MIND THAT WE ARE munity as a valued marriage; one in which we ex- insight on this decline. Marriage therapists rec- hibit genuine care for the other members and their ommend to couples the use of verbal validation to REJECTING THE IDEA, NOT THE problems, one in which we validate, even if we do serve as the foundation of disagreement. A failure not agree with, the desires of every member. As a to convey a sense of empathy with the other’s con- PERSON." nation that values achdut, it is our duty to do all that cerns creates a significant roadblock to resolution. we can to ensure the bonds among us remain un- Verbal validation, according to Psychologist Karyn breakable and, like the struggling couple, embark Hall, is “the recognition and acceptance of another our most trusted sages. I do, however, feel we must upon the path towards recovery. person's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and behav- alter the way in which we approach these changes iors as understandable.” It involves communicat- and more importantly, the people driving them. ing a clear sensitivity and appreciation of the issue However, like a marriage should be a two-way that the other is struggling with. Hall stresses that street, everyone in the community must communi- validating someone’s concerns does not necessarily cate appropriately. The side seeking to make chang- condone their actions, but rather accepts the person es must also recognize the positions of the establish- and appreciates the issues that are troubling them. ment pushing against them in a way that expresses A failure by our leadership specifically, and commu- respect and appreciation for their reasoning. Strong- nity more generally, to validate those among us who ly worded reactions from both sides tend to fall on find difficulty with traditional Orthodoxy has wid- deaf ears and only serve to keep a solution out of ened the gap between us. reach. Only once we create an atmosphere of mutual A clear indicator of our improper attitude took respect for every side of the issue can we begin to place in 2014 when two girls in SAR began to wear heal the fracture. tefillin in school. Some in the Orthodox community We must listen and validate. When we disagree, responded with anger and disgust, instead of sen- we must do so respectfully, bearing in mind that we sitively, with warmth and compassion. They lev- are rejecting the idea, not the person. Although no eled accusations of efforts to destroy traditional obvious solution exists, it is the obligation of our

Manny Dahari: The Most Interesting Student in YU By Josh Blicker menite Jewish community wear kippahs and keep graduating elementary school, Yemenite Jew- their sidelocks unshorn, which they refer to as a si- ish males generally attend yeshiva for one to two Meet Manny Dahari, a Yeshiva University junior man, a sign to remind them of their heritage and years, shortly after which they go to work, get mar- majoring in marketing and minoring in political sci- unique value system. Most saliently, their simanim ried, and start families; Jewish females start work- ence. At first glance, his stylish haircut, dark skin, and head coverings differentiate them from the Ar- ing and usually get married earlier than their male and American accent make him appear no different abs indigenous to , and render them easy tar- counterparts. than a North American university student with Sep- gets for anti-semitism. Unlike most adults who have But around the time of his bar-mitzvah, Daha- hardic ancestry. But having recently had the plea- warm memories of their childhood, Dahari remem- ri’s life-course took an unconventional turn when sure of interviewing Manny, I can confidently assert bers the horrors of the vitriolic anti-semitism that the Satmar representative of Yemen gave Dahari that his childhood strongly contrasts with the privi- he experienced at a young age. He recalls Arab chil- the opportunity of a lifetime: to attend yeshiva in leged upbringing of most of his North American dren preparing rocks and other make-shift weapons the United States for two years. Dahari’s father peers. Underneath his conventional exterior lies a to throw at him and his siblings as they walked to was overjoyed that his son would be the first of his narrative that renders him one of the most interest- school. family to leave Yemen in many generations, and ing and courageous students at YU. Despite the size of the Jewish community in Ye- he therefore encouraged Manny to take the leap of Born in Raida, a village near the capital of Ye- men, all of the Jewish children attend an orthodox faith. So shortly after his bar-mitzvah, an excited men, Dahari is the fourth of eight children. He de- elementary school funded by Satmar Chassidim. Manny boarded a plane—an infrequent occurrence scribes the Jewish community in Yemen as close- The curriculum places a large emphasis on the rig- knit and extremely devout—very few orous study of classical Judaic texts—like Talmud SEE DAHARI, CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 are irreligious. Almost all male members of the Ye- and Chumash—and not on secular studies. Upon

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Features 17

arship funds). During this period, though he primar- Yemen—his parents needed more time to prepare DAHARI, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 ily studied Hebraic texts, his English language skills themselves financially before leaving. Toward the among Yeminite citizens—and left his family and his rapidly improved. beginning of the semester, he came in contact with war stricken home country behind. But when he turned 18, he decided to earn a high the Jewish Agency, an Israeli organization that spe- Several hours later, clad in his large kippah and school education and to leave the world of full-time cializes in helping Middle-Eastern Jews emigrate long side locks, Dahari arrived in New York where Torah learning. Dahari stated that the impetus for to Israel, and then offered to help Dahari’s siblings he stayed briefly with his cousins in Lakewood, New his decision was his desire to understand the world leave Yemen and come to Israel. Dahari decided to Jersey before starting yeshiva in Williamsburg. Lake- in which he lived and to not become a stereotypi- suspend his studies at the university to devote more wood is one of the largest ultra-orthodox communi- cal Yemenite teenager with little worldly knowledge. time to working on helping his siblings escape. As ties in the U.S, and Dahari felt comfortable there A series of complex events resulted in his travelling soon as he withdrew from his classes, he received a since the culture of Lakewood was not too different to Chicago where he was introduced to an orthodox call from the Jewish Agency: they were able to ar- from his community in Yemen. Dahari’s hospitable family which took him under their wing for an ex- range for his siblings to emigrate to Israel via Jor- cousins gave him a sense of comfort and stability, tended period of time. dan. but, unfortunately, these feelings did not carry over His decision was bold, especially given that he Shortly thereafter, Dahari boarded a plane where into his time in Yeshiva. had not received any secular education since he left he planned to meet his siblings an hour after his After leaving Lakewood, Dahari went to Williams- Yemen when he was thirteen. However, with sup- flight landed. After having been in Jordan for 24 burg where he attended a Satmar yeshiva. The lan- port from the family in Chicago and hours of dili- hours, his siblings’ flight did not arrive. Dahari was guages of instruction were Yiddish and English, two gent study, Manny completed several grades of high notified by the Jewish Agency that the plane which languages which Dahari barely spoke. He also recalls school in about four months. He then attended a ye- was supposed to transport his siblings had not ar- that aside from side locks, large kippahs, and a dis- shiva high school in Indianapolis, a short drive from rived in Yemen. As Yemen is constantly in a state of tantly shared heritage, he and his Satmar peers had the family in Chicago, where he graduated when he war, commercial airlines seldom travel there. few cultural similarities. He was the only student in was 19. Upon graduating high school, he attended A disappointed Dahari continued to Israel where the yeshiva with dark skin. He was assigned a men- Oakton Community College in Chicago, where he he worked with the Jewish agency from May of 2015 tor, a Satmar adult, to help him during his time in earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts. He then applied to sev- until August. Although he planned on returning the United States, but this mentor did not speak his eral universities, including Yeshiva University. to Loyola College, he decided to re-apply to YU to mother tongue, making communication difficult and However, after having lived in nine different cities which he had been previously accepted. He was re- jeopardizing their relationship. in 9 years, Dahari sought stability. He thus decid- accepted and decided to attend YU a week before the During his time at the Satmar yeshiva, Dahari ed to attend Loyola College in Skokie in September Fall 2015 semester began. experienced a culture that was vastly different from 2014, which enabled him to stay near the aforemen- Dahari describes YU as a difficult but worthwhile the one in which he was raised—the Satmar yeshiva tioned family. During his first semester at Loyola adjustment. At yeshiva, Dahari feels that the vibrant required him to spend the majority of his time in a College, Dahari studied Biology with the intent of Jewish community allows him to participate in stu- cloistered study hall, and he was not permitted to dent life in many ways that he could not at Loyola leave the yeshiva without wearing a hasidic hat and “DAHARI’S LIFE-COURSE college: he is currently involved in a number of stu- jacket. He also faced social ostracization by his peers dent clubs and activities. who attended the yeshiva. After six months of social TOOK AN UNCONVENTIONAL This past October, Manny received a call from the difficulties and culture clashes, Dahari decided to TURN WHEN THE SATMAR Jewish Agency. They were able to help some of his leave the yeshiva. siblings escape. That night, Manny flew to Jordan, When his mentor heard of this decision, he gave REPRESENTATIVE OF where he planned on meeting his siblings an hour Dahari an ultimatum: return to Yemen and embar- after landing—he was not permitted to tell anyone rass his family, or remain in the U.S. but live inde- YEMEN GAVE DAHARI THE where he was going. But the plane did not arrive, for pendently. Dahari chose the latter option. Having OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME: the runway in Yemen had been bombed. Fortunate- grown up in an ultra-orthodox community, Dahari’s ly, his siblings were re-routed. Several nerve-rack- natural course of action was to continue his Jew- TO ATTEND YESHIVA IN THE ing hours later, Dahari’s siblings arrived. It was the ish education at a different yeshiva in the U.S. So first time that Manny had seen these siblings since he promptly switched to another Chassidic yeshiva, UNITED STATES FOR TWO YEARS." he had left Yemen. They then traveled together to where he studied for another six months. He then Israel. Unfortunately, their reunion was short lived. attended several non-Chassidish , includ- Manny only spent two days with his siblings before ing one in upstate New York. At each yeshiva he at- going to medical school. It was during this time that returning to YU. tended, he did not engage in secular studies. During he also decided to try and help his siblings leave Ye- Although he had difficulty explaining his absenc- his several year stint in yeshiva, he stayed in various men. Although he achieved academic success, Daha- es to his professors, Dahari successfully completed dormitories and worked on Fridays and Sundays in ri disliked the lack of Jewish culture on campus—he the term. A few weeks ago, Dahari and the Jewish order to earn spending money and to purchase cloth- felt that something was missing. Agency were able to help his parents and younger ing (his tuition was covered by various yeshiva schol- But during his second semester, he started to siblings escape Yemen. Like their children who had invest more time into helping his siblings escape left before them, there were a number of events that complicated Manny’s parents’ travel plans; a war broke out, preventing them from leaving on time. They had to postpone their flight for several days, and they could not leave the safety of a hotel near the airport where they subsisted on a limited sup- ply of fruits and vegetables. Finally, after endur- ing a great amount of physical and emotional tur- moil, the remaining Daharis finally emigrated to Israel. The Daharis were also able to bring an an- cient Torah scroll that they have had in the family for over 600 years. Although Dahari successfully adjusted to life in the U.S., it was an arduous process, especially as he learned of what his family and the Jewish community of Yemen had to endure. In 2008, Dahari’s rabbi and mentor was shot in front of his house. And in 2011, Dahari’s cousin was kid- napped, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to an Islamic man. His other cousins were physi- cally threatened: their backyard was bombed. In 2011, Dahari’s sister’s father-in-law was stabbed to death. But fortunately, Dahari’s entire immediate family has successfully left Yemen. Manny Da- hari’s story is nothing short of inspiring. On April 16th, Manny will travel to Israel where he will spend with his family. Looking back on the events that occurred over the last 10 years, this Pesach will serve as a true night of freedom for the entire Dahari family.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 18 Opinions Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 Trends in Politics By Jonathan Livi cated millennial’s. Thus, when having to choose be- undeniably allows for a much more elevated and ra- tween the politics of the young and hip and the poli- tional discussion than does television. A radio show People often form their political opinions based on tics of the old and responsible, I’ll take the latter, even host often has over three full hours to dwell on one micro-issues. By this I mean that they look into fine though I’m only twenty years old. topic. A cable news channel, by way of comparison, details of economic and social policy, and develop would be committing ratings suicide if it devoted one views in accordance with the policies they identify hour to only three topics. Similarly, the lack of imag- with. I do not do this. I like to form opinions based "WHEN HAVING TO CHOOSE ery in talk radio means that information is processed on macro-issues. Instead of engaging in frivolous re- through the ear, where rational thought prevails. search into policies and statistics that I cannot under- BETWEEN THE POLITICS OF Television however, enters information through the stand or vet, I look for trends in political movements, THE YOUNG AND HIP AND THE eyes, where emotion—not reason—dominates. and look to my values to see if these trends are accept- The fact that conservatives have come to dominate able to me or not. These trends are easily discernable POLITICS OF THE OLD AND talk radio is no coincidence. It is entirely to do with and usually not up for debate. Therefore, not only do messaging. Where rationality pervades, conserva- they provide me with a more reliable understanding of RESPONSIBLE, I’LL TAKE tives seem to flow. Where emotion pervades, conser- things, they make political discussion more substan- THE LATTER, EVEN THOUGH I’M vatives are understandably absent. When seeing this tive or fruitful, as the discussion does not necessarily phenomenon, I have no choice but to assume that deteriorate into a quarrel over obscure facts and con- ONLY TWENTY YEARS OLD.” conservative discourse is probably more serious and flicting premises. thoughtful than that of their liberal counterparts. In full disclosure, I agree with conservatives on This leads me to the next trend: the fact that Hol- most positions. Thus, the following will be a descrip- Another very important aspect of politics is the me- lywood practically unanimously votes left. The lesson tion of the broad trends and macro-issues that have dia. Why is it that conservatives have a virtual mo- to be learned from this is simple and it can be gauged led me to develop a conservative worldview. nopoly on talk radio, while liberals have a virtual mo- using a metric called “the Hollywood test.” The met- One of the most important trends in politics is that nopoly on the television and movie industries? What ric works as follows: whatever Hollywood does, do the conservatives always attempt to shrink the size of gov- caused this divide? Ostensibly, the reason for this opposite. Hollywood, in today’s culture, represents ernment, while the left always attempts to expand it. divide is happenstance, and it has no major ramifi- the epitome of decadence. Its obsession with material This trend is a giveaway, as it tells me that conser- cations. This was my position on the matter as well. wealth, good looks, fame, glory, and hedonism makes vatives are more responsible when it comes to grant- But that all changed when I came across a book titled it a perfect model of how not to live. When seeing ing people power than liberals. Responsible is the key “Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman. In the Hollywood in all its glory, I’m constantly reminded of word here. As someone who believes that humans book, Postman makes the reasonable argument that the first verse of Psalms that says: “Happy is the man have a strong natural tendency to amass power and different types of media permit very different kinds of that hath not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor rule over their peers, seeing the left expand the power discourse to take place. For example, smoke signals, stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the of the bureaucratic elite so willingly is not only both- used in more primitive societies, cannot be a conduit scornful.” In keeping with this verse, I try not associ- ersome, it is worrisome. It implies that the left is ir- for elevated theological discussion. That much is obvi- ate myself with Hollywood at all, whether physically responsible when it comes to the allocation of power. I ous. But this reasoning also applies in ways that that or intellectually. Thus, when Hollywood votes left, I fear a world in which the left has the unrestricted abil- are not obvious. For example, can television provide vote right. ity to expand the power The final trend I would of the few individuals like to discuss has to do who reside in the Capi- with Israel. Favoring the tol. I am convinced that Palestinian cause over such a scenario would Israel’s safety is an im- end in tyranny, and only moral position. It is im- then would people wake moral because it puts the up and realize the dan- lives of innocent Israelis ger of granting people at risk while strengthen- power gratuitously. ing the causes of Islamist Now, consider the groups who have a record fact that senior citizens of committing heinous tend to vote conserva- crimes against human- tive. This is another ity. This is so clear, that good indicator of the someone who is against superiority of a con- Israel must have some- servative worldview. thing wrong with his Why? For anyone who or her moral compass. was raised by an older There is no other way to authority it should be explain it. So what am I obvious. Older people supposed to think when are wiser than young- I see that almost all anti- er people are. They Israel sentiment comes have by definition ex- from the left? Am I sup- perienced more, and posed to ignore it? Am are less controlled by I supposed to assume it their irrational emo- is an isolated incident? tions. Older people have That the left is getting made stupid decisions this wrong, but on every and have learned from other issue, the leftist them. Younger people moral compass works just still haven’t made those fine? Such reasoning is decisions, and if they baseless. When someone have, they probably commits murder, it is not have yet to face the con- an isolated incident. It is sequences. rather indicative of deep It does not stop there. Not only are older people for as substantive a discourse as the written word? Ac- moral flaws that have been unattended to. The same more likely to be conservative, so are married people. cording to the Postman, it cannot. While the written should apply to the left’s hatred of Israel. It is so back- And married people with kids—even more so. This too word is static and can be analyzed from generation to wards a moral position that it is impossible to isolate. must be indicative of something; for marriage and generation, television is constantly moving and does It must be indicative of something badly wrong with parenthood are character-building institutions. They not allow the viewer more than a few moments to ana- leftist thinking and with leftist morality. This is the make people better. They force people to learn re- lyze what was seen. This qualitative difference led the only reasonable conclusion. I am thus dumbfounded sponsibility by making them worry about putting food author to conclude, that while typography can be suc- by the scores of Jews who have such passionate love on the table and making sure their kids get a decent cessfully used for entertainment and deep thought, for Israel, but who still cling to every other leftist po- education. They teach people selflessness by having television can only successfully be used for entertain- sition fervently. It makes no sense to me. them provide for their offspring with the expectation ment—and not deep thought (barring a few rare ex- I hope this was a clear exposition on why I believe of nothing in return. It is unthinkable to me that this ceptions.) in conservative principles. The goal was to stay as far all means nothing. It is unthinkable that such people’s The same distinction applies to the divide in the away from the fine details as possible, which will faculties of thought are no better than a college edu- talk radio and television/movie industries. Talk radio hopefully bring, if not agreement, clarity.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Opinions 19 The Panama Papers And How Affluence Can Corrupt

By Joey Chesir uments leaked from a Panamanian law firm, which regarding their own best interests, but simply because implicate a number of powerful individuals across the they can. This scandal, ultimately, may have involved One of the most recent problems to make headlines world in hiding funds in offshore accounts, far from the these figures committing financial misdeeds, but this worldwide has been the so-called “Panama Papers” reach of their respective countries. By employing vari- incident’s real meaning is that the individuals involved scandal, which involves politicians and other world- ous methods, including hiding funds in shell compa- considered themselves separate from the laws of their wide leaders using offshore financial accounts to keep nies and hidden accounts, these figures hoped to avoid respective citizens. their funds without being taxed. This scandal, which paying taxes in their respective countries. Individu- This mindset is a major societal problem, has been referred to as the biggest leak of documents als tied to prominent heads of state, such as Russian because many wealthy and influential people can be in history, has led to a number of high profile individu- President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Da- subject to thinking that both legal mandates and moral als, including politicians, businessmen, lawyers, being vid Cameron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping have principles of human interaction don’t apply to them. placed under a heavy degree of public scrutiny, with all been connected to the papers, and the fallout has For example, both Republican presidential frontrun- one leader, Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur David caused these individuals to face increas- Gunnlaugsson, actually resigning as a result. Without ing scrutiny. Superficially, this scandal question, this scandal has caused major fallout world- has shown significant flaws in worldwide wide, with many of the involved figures facing heavy financial policies, which have allowed criticism from the public. However, the biggest nega- wealthy and powerful people to circum- vent the system for their own ends. Philo- sophically speaking, however, this scandal “ THIS MINDSET IS A shows how being rich and powerful often causes individuals to disregard legal and MAJOR SOCIETAL PROBLEM, ethical principles that apply to every citi- zen, simply because of their own previous BECAUSE MANY WEALTHY AND fortune. When analyzing this case, the INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE CAN BE motivation for these individuals’ trans- gressions seems somewhat shaky. These SUBJECT TO THINKING THAT BOTH people are among the wealthiest and pow- erful people in the world. If there’s one LEGAL MANDATES AND MORAL thing they do not lack for, it is money. Therefore, it seems remarkably curious PRINCIPLES OF that these people would break the law, and put them- ner Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candi- HUMAN INTERACTION DON’T selves in heavy public scrutiny once their crimes were date Hillary Clinton have garnered significant political revealed, all simply for the possibility of not having to followings, despite neither being a stranger to scan- APPLY TO THEM." pay taxes, which would essentially mean them keeping dal. Trump has almost consistently managed to make more money. When you’re among the richest people in inflammatory and prejudiced comments throughout tive outcome of this scandal exists on a more philo- the world, it seems highly unusual that the one thing his campaign, often targeting minorities, women, and sophical level. The Panama Papers scandal reveals that that you’ll risk public humiliation and legal scrutiny even specific individuals who have challenged him, in- within our society, being rich, powerful, or famous of- for is more money. This simply proves that in many cluding Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly. Meanwhile, ten gives individuals a feeling of entitlement that they cases, having wealth and power causes individuals to Clinton has faced significant backlash regarding her do not deserve, and often causes them to disregard forget their societal obligations to follow laws that ev- role in the Benghazi attack in 2012, and her possible rules that apply to every citizen, including themselves. eryone is subject to. These individuals simply choose illicit use of a private email server during the crisis, The Panama Papers scandal is just one example of pub- to ignore these laws, and follow the prospect of further which may have revealed indiscretions of hers regard- lic figures using their wealth and influence to further financial gain, even when a serious argument could be ing the situation. The actions of both candidates have their own self-interests, while considering themselves made that financial gain was probably the one thing been questioned and condemned by many, and have separate from laws to which all citizens are account- that they needed the least. Having power, fame, or vast tarnished their respective reputations, even while both able, both legally and philosophically. wealth often means that individuals will ignore both The Panama Papers situation arose from doc- legal and moral codes, not for any overriding reason SEE PANAMA, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

A Respectful Approach to Child-Rearing

By Hillel Field equally, and places no burden on parents to keep their you might use longer words and more articulate phras- children sheltered and free from the outside world. ing, the basic principles that form your outlook on life As a child, it always left me frustrated when my par- By seeing kids as our equals, we give them a better are usually in place early on in life. At least, this has ents or anyone else called something that I did "cute." chance at practicing for the "real world" before they been my experience. Once I reached a certain level of I specifically remember one time as a five-year-old are thrown in at full force. maturity deemed acceptable by society, adults all of a when the host of a Shabbat dinner asked me to sudden started to consider what I had to say as a share a devar torah based on what I learned in peer. But this just seems so arbitrary. Of course kindergarten that week. Although I was embar- we get a kick out of how cute kids can be and the rassed at first, I reluctantly began to share my unique way they put things. But we should put thoughts. At that point, a couple of guests began the pleasure we get out of them on hold for the to fawn over the way I spoke. This just encour- sake of their own sense of self-worth. As we all aged my shame, and I promptly decided to stop know, children are highly impressionable, and speaking. Why should I bother to share what I experiences that leave them feeling inadequate have to say if nobody will take me seriously? This can stick with them for the rest of their lives. sort of experience consistently left me embar- It's a common occurrence during conversa- rassed. I remember specific times when I felt like tions among adults, that if a child asks about the I had something valuable to add to a conversa- topic at hand, a parent will respond along the tion, albeit at a very young age, and all I got in lines of, " We're just talking about adult stuff." response were compassionate smiles and nods. I think this is a serious mistake. Children have Adults seemed to ignore the content of what I was the tendency to take something that can be writ- saying, and focused on the way I was delivering ten up into a highly technical essay and capture it. Looking back, ' words, "Accept the the essence of a message with simple language. truth, no matter its source" ring especially true. By going out of our way to invite kids into our The Christian-influenced notion of "Original conversations, and explaining to them the basic Sin" may have something to do with how we look issues at stake in simple language, we can give at children. By taking the biblical creation story their critical thinking skills a favorably early at its literal word, people get the idea that it’s an jumpstart. And not only would they be the sole unquestioned fact before one develops a sense of beneficiaries, but by articulating ideas in ways sexual awareness, they are necessarily pure. It is that a child can grasp, we sharpen our own views much more beneficial and meaningful to see the at the same time. Nobody will expect a child to story as a psychological allegory, for how human be- If someone asked you a question while you were a ings make mistakes and use their judgment improp- child, and asked it again at your current age, would the SEE CHILDREN, CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 erly. This is something that adults and children do gist of your opinion have changed drastically? While

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 20 Opinions Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776

The Dark Side of Factory Farming

By Kochava London sumer demand, chicken and cattle are overfed with from the same abusive factory farms as non-kosher corn and soy so they grow larger, faster. Cows, who meat. Today, over 99% of farm animals live on factory prefer to eat grass, are fed massive amounts of grain, However, there have been efforts to improve animal farms, also known as concentrated-animal feeding which causes them extreme gastrointestinal distress. welfare on kosher factory farms. Empire Poultry, the operations (CAFOs). Factory farms are large industri- Broiler chickens, or chickens raised for meat, are kept largest kosher chicken producer in the U.S., has phased alized farms in which hundreds of animals are raised in windowless sheds with artificial light to enhance out the use of antibiotics and even has an organic line indoors in conditions that are intended to maximize their appetite. This ensures that they will have fatter of meat that is sold at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. profit and minimize cost. For hundreds of years, ani- breasts and drumsticks, as per consumer preference. KOL Foods, founded in 2007 by Devora Kimmelman- mals were raised on small family farms. This changed Between 1957 and 2005, chicken growth increased Block, is one of the only grass-fed meat retailers that is around the 1960’s, when the fast-food industry became by more than 400% (Zuidhof, et al., 2014). Because of certified kosher by the Star-K. According to their web- increasingly popular and there was demand for mass the excess weight, it is almost impossible for chickens site: “Our mission is simple: Honest & healthy. Sus- quantities of meat that could be produced at low costs. to walk more than a few feet without dropping. Os- tainable & Humane. Deliciously mouthwatering. We This led to the development of the ever efficient indus- teoporosis, heart and lung disease, broken bones, and help balance modern & traditional values by producing trialized factory farm. Despite the efficiency, the inhu- other skeletal problems are now common in chickens. Glatt kosher meat that is environmentally and ethically mane conditions of these facilities, coupled with the Professor John Webster of the University of Bristol’s sound.” Although these are important steps, there is numerous environmental and health risks, are a major School of Veterinary Science says that broilers are the still significant work to be done in raising awareness cause for concern. only livestock that live in chronic pain for the duration about animal welfare in kosher meat production. Every year, billions of chick- Besides the ethical issues of fac- ens, turkeys, and cows are tory farming, the practice is associ- raised for human consumption. ated with numerous human health Over the past twenty years, hazards. The CDC estimates that the average number of ani- one in six Americans contracts a mals per facility has increased foodborne illness like Salmonella dramatically. Because of this, or E. coli every year. These ill- the animals are confined to nesses spread much more rapidly extremely small cages or over- on factory farms because manure- crowded feedlots. More than covered animals are packed into 95% of egg-laying hens live in overcrowded feedlots. The origin wire battery cages that typically of swine flu, for example, has been hold between eight to ten birds. linked to the unsanitary conditions The hens are packed so tightly on factory farms. that they can’t even spread Because of these unsanitary their wings. Each bird typically conditions, animals on factory has about 67 square inches of farms are administered antibiotics space. To put that in perspec- to prevent them from contracting tive, a standard sheet of paper diseases. When we eat meat prod- is about 94 square inches. The ucts, we ingest these antibiotics as wire cages are also sharp, and well, which increases the likelihood cut into the hens’ feet. Many of antibiotic resistance develop- starve to death after getting ing. For this reason, the European caught in the cage and being Union banned the use of antibiotics unable to free themselves. in livestock in 2006. According to Ben Carlson, a former employee at of their lives. They don’t move around because it hurts Factory farming is also detrimental to the environ- Rose Acre Farms, the second largest egg producer in their joints so much. ment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organiza- the U.S., “If you haven’t been in a hen plant, you don’t According to People for the Ethical Treatment of tion of the United States (FAO), animal agriculture ac- know what hell is,” he says. “This gust of ammonia and Animals (PETA), dairy cows and hens are genetically counts for 18% of greenhouse gases and 65% of nitrous urine stench hits you when you open the door, there’s bred to produce more milk and eggs than they naturally oxide emissions, which contribute to global warming chicken [feces] piled up six feet high before they tractor would. For example, cows on factory farms produce 12 and air pollution. The 500 million tons of animal waste it out with Bobcats, and your nose and lungs burn like times more milk than necessary to feed their calves, generated each year leaches into our food and water you took a torch to ’em.” and a single cow today can produce a whopping 20,000 supplies, contaminating what we eat and drink. Cows raised for meat and dairy are similarly con- pounds of milk in a single year. It is for these ethical, environmental, and health rea- fined to overcrowded feedlots, where they live in their The inhumane living conditions on factory farms sons that I believe factory farms should be banned or own manure and are surrounded by flies and mice day dramatically reduce the lifespan of the animals. Chick- strictly regulated by the government. As a society, we in and day out. ens can live up to eight years, but on a factory farm they cannot simply disregard the abuse that occurs on fac- Living in these horrific conditions causes extreme typically die by age two. Cows can live up to 25 years, tory farms across the country. Particularly as Jews, we stress and depression in animals that typically explore but they are usually killed after four years when the ex- have an even greater obligation to treat all life with re- their environments. The stress manifests in unusual treme stress causes their bodies to stop producing milk, spect. As Rav Meidan, the Rosh Yeshiva of Har Etzion animal behaviors like cannibalism, excessive feather rendering them useless to the farm. says, “The Torah has succeeded in bringing humanity plucking, and even pecking other birds to death. In- As Orthodox Jews, many of us are comforted by the to a higher level of sensitivity of life. In today’s world, if stead of addressing the root of the problem, farmers fact that kosher meat is supposedly produced in the kosher is not synonymous with the welfare of animals, will remove chickens’ sensitive beaks, castrate and de- most ethical way. One of the reasons for the stringent the world will continue to try to ban Shechita. Judaism horn cattle, and clip piglets’ teeth, all without the use laws of Shechita, the kosher slaughtering process, is to must not fall behind the world, but rather lead as an of anesthesia. ensure that the ordeal is as painless as possible for the example.” In order to maximize profit and keep up with con- animals. Unfortunately, most kosher meat today comes

PANAMA , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 ernment official is subject to, and caused citizens to disrespect, or ignore regulations that apply to both question her honesty as a human being, despite being yourself and others. Part of being wealthy and pow- are experiencing strong electoral success. Trump’s a comparatively capable politician. Both Trump and erful is understanding that your wealth and power status as a wealthy, famous, and powerful figure has Clinton are examples of powerful figures allowing does not make you superior to anyone else, and does essentially given him a mindset of allowing himself themselves to think that their power and influence not remove your obligation to act within the confines to disrespect anyone who challenges him, essentially allow them to act without regard for both legal and of both the law and human morality. The Panama blame minorities for several of America’s current moral principles. This is highly similar to the current Papers fiasco proves the importance of adhering to problems, and even, inexplicably, accuse GOP rival Panama Papers fiasco, where rich and powerful fig- both legal and ethical principles, even when you have Ted Cruz of cheating when Cruz defeated Trump in ures felt their influence sanctioned their ignoring of more resources and influence at your disposal than a recent primary. Essentially, Trump being rich and financial laws. other citizens. famous has caused himself to believe that he has per- The Panama Papers debacle shows how wealth, mission to act like a terrible human being, and can fame, and power can corrupt the thinking of indi- fail to treat others with dignity and respect. Simulta- viduals into a dishonest and incorrect mindset. Be- neously, Clinton has allowed herself to fall into scan- ing rich, famous, or powerful does not give some- dal by failing to adhere to regulations that any gov- one permission to break the law, treat people with

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Opinions 21 It’s Time for Desegregation

By Yadin Teitz Yeshiva at YU, among others, has on multiple occa- students band together, because of the sheer scope of sions stressed the need to get to know other elements our population. We don’t have fraternities, or tight- The first day of class is always awkward. There’s within the student body and reach out to them. And knit residence halls, or even clubs and extracurricular that moment of confusion, when everyone tries to fig- yet, there is still much to be done. activities in which students meet up often enough to ure out where they’d like to sit for the rest of the se- In my time at YU, I’ve tried very hard to cultivate a form real, lasting friendships and peer groups. And it mester. There’s that mad dash for the seats near the diverse group of friends. I recognize how much there seems that the most comfortable and likely division to windows or near the back, depending on what kind of is to gain from people of different backgrounds and be made is based on where we spend the previous year person you are (and where the WiFi signal is stron- from people who have had different experiences than or years of our lives before entering YU. gest, honestly). While they wait for the professor to me, and I’ve worked to build sincere and enduring But what happens when you didn’t go to yeshiva in show up, people pull out their cell phones, clearly relationships with these people alongside my yeshiva Israel? What happens if you’ve changed and become too cool or too busy to get to know their classmates friends. But I haven’t quite succeeded. I’ve frequently a far different person than who you were in yeshiva? right now. Better to stick with the familiar. And then What if you just didn’t enjoy your year in Israel, and the professor walks in and tries to make it less awk- want little to do with the people you knew there? Do ward, by taking attendance. Several professors will go "IT’S MUCH, MUCH EASIER you go through your college years as a relative loner? a step further, asking students to say something in- Do you transfer out of YU, looking for a place with teresting about themselves, about where they're from, TO FALL BACK ON THIS TIGHTER people like you? Or do you try hard to make friends what they’re majoring in, etc., and the all-famous (and from across the board? never quite successful at alleviating the awkwardness) BOND, AND TO LIMIT ONE’S GROUP We need to make this process easier. We need to “Share something that people don’t know about you”. OF CLOSE FRIENDS TO THESE switch things up, to divide up our campus in a more But depending on the class or on the information vol- organic way and in a manner which ultimately produc- unteered by students, talk tends to include which ye- COMPATRIOTS. BUT I KNOW THAT es greater unity. I’m not sure how exactly to do that. shiva one attended in Israel. This is key information, Like University of Chicago and Yale University, for even more important than determining who’s funny, WE ARE MISSING OUT IN THE example, perhaps we should devise a system in which who’s spoiled and entitled, who’s cool, and who’s a to- PROCESS.” students are divided into houses or societies, where tal slacker. With this innocent question, we can judge they can form brotherhoods of students from many intelligence, religiosity, and worldview, all in one or different backgrounds and be united by common in- two simple words. Shraga. Gush. Hakotel. Sha’alvim. gotten the sense that friends of mine who have inter- terests and a desire to build lasting bonds with mem- Reishit. Netiv. KBY. Eretz Hatzvi. And so on, and so acted together with my yeshiva friends feel left out, bers of their house. Perhaps it is enough to encourage forth. Oh, and for that poor true freshman who didn’t even if there were sizeable amounts of other people students pursuing a particular major to get together attend yeshiva in Israel, well, the jury is still out on in the group who did not attend the same yeshiva as socially, outside of class. I’m not naïve enough to think him. I did. Because no matter what happens, the group of that these changes will actually happen anytime soon. Outside of class, the same holds true. In my obser- people who were in yeshiva together share a tighter But let’s start now. Perhaps, perhaps, it’s enough to sit vation, one’s friends are overwhelmingly drawn from bond. It’s much, much easier to fall back on this tight- with those other kids at the table in the cafeteria. Per- one’s yeshiva. True, the argument can be made that er bond, and to limit one’s group of close friends to haps it’s enough to walk over to that group of students this is natural: it makes sense that we should be clos- these compatriots. But I know that we are missing out whom you know vaguely and strike up a conversation. est with those who share similar intellectual inclina- in the process. And if you’re in one of those groups, invite others in. tions, who hold the same levels of religiosity, and who There is a problem here, which is that in a school Without sounding too preachy, seek others, and you share the same worldviews as we do. Except for the of our size, we must devise artificial ways of dividing will find yourself feeling enriched by your newfound fact that it seems that no yeshiva has a homogenous ourselves. We cannot be like the Hillels and Chabads friends. student body. I have yet to meet a student who fills of secular colleges, where the small numbers of Jewish all of the stereotypes of his yeshiva, and I have yet to meet a population of yeshiva students who share the same qualities, even in terms of intelligence. In fact, the opposite is true. So often, the reputations of people from particular yeshivot are wholly exagger- ated or simply wrong. I’m convinced that each yeshiva boasts a diverse and wonderful student body, filled with bright, inquisitive, and thoughtful individuals. It’s a shame to simply group all of these talmidim into one category, especially when our purpose is to then dismiss them altogether by looking up to them or down to them. Which is what ends up happening, by the way. Sure, we can point to some examples of inter-yeshiva friendships. But even if they do occur, the mingling of students from different yeshivot leaves something to be desired. When was the last time we saw a group of guys from Gush hanging out with a couple of Reishit guys? Who went to the last Sha’alvim/Eretz Hatzvi get-together? My colleague Josh Blicker wrote about this phenomenon in a Commentator article several months ago, in which he urged students to stop the judgement that goes on and work on integrating ta- bles in the Dining Hall. Rabbi Jeremy Wieder, Rosh

CHILDREN , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 respect. child corporal punishment. Are children any less cre- The objectification of children expresses itself in ated in the image of God that their rights to not be comprehend a discussion about theoretical physics, many forms in contemporary society. It is a common struck by another are revoked? If we apply the gold- but I am confident that most conversations can be weekly sight on Shabbat to see parents dressing their en rule to children in one area, then it should apply boiled down to simple and universal principles. kids up as carbon copies of themselves, making sure across the board consistently. Treating kids in a more empathetic way also means their 'family reputation' is upheld. The stereotype of Instead of viewing children as angelic creatures we shouldn't engage in unnecessary praise, constantly the 'soccer mom' who vicariously lives through their that need to be protected from impurity at all costs, letting children know how good they are at a single child to resolve their own insecurities unfortunately we should see them as sensitive and fully aware hu- thing. This might seem counter-intuitive at first. Isn’t seems to play out accurately in real life. If children man beings with infinite potential. It is critical that it the epitome of compassion to help other feel good don't end up perfectly reflecting their parents' world- they see their parents as peers who are fully invested about themselves? I'm not advocating withholding view, it shouldn't be considered a tragedy. This doesn't in them, and aren't determined to fit them into a pre- compliments from kids when they are proud of some- mean we should avoid disciplining children, but if they prepared box. Don't take my word as a parent, a de- thing they've done. That's just downright cruel. But make relatively innocuous choices that cause neither partment in which I have zero experience. Consider endless praise probably does more harm than good themselves or others harm, we shouldn't feel obligated my words as coming from a young adult with vivid, in the long-run. Children need to be prepared for the to police their every move. and relatively recent childhood experiences. fact that later in life people won't take it for granted A non-patronizing view of children is the logical that they are special snowflakes; it's critical to earn follow up to the gradual decline in recent decades of WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 22 Business Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 The Inside Scoop on YU’s Own Professor Robert Tufts By Gary Feder more focused on social justice than personal advance- Feder: Why did you decide to take your talents ment. I attribute this line of thinking as to why I started to YU? I recently had the opportunity to interview former Ma- looking for another way to connect to God. jor League Baseball pitcher turned Sy Syms Manage- Tufts: I actually turned down an offer to teach full-time ment Professor Robert Tufts, who offers a truly unique Feder: After your time in baseball, you decided at NYU, because I would have been teaching only one, and inspiring life story. After graduating college with to go back to school and get an MBA, eventually maybe two classes. At YU, I teach freshmen, sopho- a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University, Tufts leading to a successful Wall Street career. What mores, juniors, and seniors. Sometimes, I have the same was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th was the transition from professional baseball student in as many as four different courses, which en- round of the 1977 MLB Draft. He went on to play in to corporate America like and was it something ables us to develop a bit of a relationship and discuss the MLB from 1980 to 1982, first for the Giants and that you had always planned on doing following topics beyond the basic classwork. That’s what teaching then the Kansas City Royals. After his retirement from your professional baseball career? should be about. baseball, Tufts went back to school to get an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, which led to a suc- Tufts: Well, I had always planned on doing something Feder: Can you tell me about the charity you co- cessful twenty-year Wall Street career. In 2009, as after baseball. I knew that if I didn’t play baseball for founded, My Life is Worth It? Tufts was preparing to transition into academia, he an extended period of time, I would need to get an was tragically diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Can- MBA and become a traditional business person. If I had Tufts: My Life is Worth It is dedicated to strengthen- cer. Tufts was reported as cancer-free in ing doctor access for patients, choice treat- 2010, and in response to his battle with can- ments, and choice medicines, which are all cer, co-founded My Life is Worth It, a not- "BASEBALL IN A LOT OF WAYS MIRRORED key in order to achieve better results. We are for-profit organization dedicated to helping A TYPICAL BUSINESS JOB. I HAD A TO DO basically fighting those people who want to fellow cancer patients. focus on the numbers and dollars of health- MY WORK AND CONTINUOUSLY DO IT WELL, care, as opposed to the treatment and the Feder: Many of us have dreamt or BECAUSE IF I DIDN’T, THERE WAS SOMEONE lives. I’m a perfect case study of what our maybe even still dream of playing pro- mission is all about. When I got diagnosed fessional sports for a living. At what RIGHT BEHIND ME READY TO TAKE MY PLACE. " with cancer, the current American system or point in your lifetime did you dream of the European model would have said that my playing Major League Baseball? -PROFESSOR ROBERT TUFTS treatment would cost too much for how long I was expected to live, so I’m not going to Tufts: My brother was an All-State pitcher at Mas- get it. However, I got the treatment and happened sachusetts and got a scholarship to the University of to have been an outlier on the positive side, and I Florida to play baseball, so I viewed that as the be- have paid it back thousandfold. I went back to work, all-end-all. My thinking was that if I could do any- paid taxes, paid premiums, and advocated for and thing that approximated what he did, that would be helped those with chronic diseases. Now, I want to great. However, I was fortunate enough to surpass move towards doing more of the patient advocacy, him, which was a shock to me as a younger brother, which in general will be pro-innovation and pro- and get drafted by the Giants. Once that happened, entrepreneurship. I realized that the door was open, and I began to re- ally concentrate on my moving my baseball career Feder: What are some of the life lessons you forward. have picked which you would like to impart upon the YU students? Feder: When did your dream of playing in the MLB begin to seem like a possible real- Tufts: Never give up. I’ve reached the point where ity? I could have died to illness two or three times, and I have fought the illnesses off. It hasn’t changed Tufts: Actually never, ironically. In 1980, I had a my view of life, but it has made me appreciate that terrible year for the Giants minor league affiliate every thing that I do, big and little, has an impact. and thought I would get released. However, since I With this approach in mind, I am going to dedicate was a left-handed pitcher, they told me that I could myself as I turn 60, seven years past cancer diagno- hang around and play another year, so I thought sis, to helping other cancer patients and make sure 1981 would be my last year as a professional base- that they have the same chance that I had. ball player. As the story goes, I actually threw ex- ceptionally well that year. The Giants, meanwhile, Feder: Let’s close this out properly, by bring- decided to revamp their relief pitching mid-year ing it back to baseball. Who is your pick to and call up some minor-leaguers. Just like that, I win the World Series this year? was a major-league baseball player. played longer and accumulated more wealth, I prob- ably would have done something more focused on my Tufts: Hmmm. I’ve been waiting a few years for the Feder: What was your coolest memory from hometown community. Switching to corporate Ameri- Pittsburgh Pirates to finally get over the top, so I’m your time in the MLB? How about your biggest ca, though, was a shock. At Columbia’s MBA program, looking to see if they can take the World Series. The challenge? I was about three or four years older than nearly ev- same thing goes for the Cleveland Indians. eryone. My classmates were largely less mature and in Tufts: Pitching the first game was great, but I think my it for the money, as opposed to actually trying to learn best memory was actually in Kansas City, where I got to something. It was humorous to me because when I was hang around the legendary George Brett (who has the in college, I wasn’t exactly the most dedicated student, 16th most hits in the history of baseball). He is one of and now I was all about the education. the most genuine and outgoing people that I have ever met. As for my biggest challenge, it was sometimes dif- Feder: It’s really interesting how things change ficult to keep the enjoyment of the game up, realizing after gaining a new perspective on life, espe- that I am getting paid a lot of money to produce results. cially after having a job such as a professional Baseball in a lot of ways mirrored a typical business baseball player. job. I had a to do my work and continuously do it well, because if I didn’t, there was someone right behind me Tufts: It actually made me more mature, because I had ready to take my place. already done all of the stupid things when I was young- er. Feder: According to Baseball Almanac, you are one of six Major League Baseball players to have Feder: How did teaching become a passion of converted to Judaism during their careers. Can yours? you describe what led you to convert? Tufts: I love the fact that being a teacher is in a lot of Tufts: When I was at Princeton, people came to my ways similar to being a coach. Like a coach, a teacher room and tried to proselytize me and basically told me sees if their students are happy or not and how they to just accept Jesus as my path to a relationship with react to different situations. The teacher can help the God. I thought to myself, “Why can’t I have my own student in many different ways, such as coaching in the relationship directly with God?” That got me thinking classroom and advising. about my mother’s experience in her church, which was

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Business 23 It’s Time To Get LIT By Benjamin Zirman ent hotspots on campus. Once the night starts and users venues to spread their revolution to the best venues on begin to check in at venues, the flame will build based every official LIT campus. It is beneficial for venues to Urban dictionary has two definitions for the word on real time ratings. The bigger the flame the more lit work with LIT because when a user checks in, all their “lit”: “When something is turned up and popping” or the party is ranging from a small blue dead flame to a friends are notified which will increase traffic to their “the state of being so intoxicated that all the person can large red lit flame. Once you check out the place and its venue. Venues have been so excited about the idea of do is smile, so that they look lit up like a light.” There party statistics you can navigate directly to the venue to working with LIT that all have been working with LIT is a new app hitting college campuses across America meet up with your friends and the best crowd. It is very free of charge. Additionally, they have been reaching crafted by a student here at YU and his friends that is simple to understand, and Mark stressed how impor- out and searching for campus ambassadors to be the letting people know where the lit (Urban Dictionary first tant simplicity is for their user experience. The simplic- people on the ground at different colleges to develop definition) parties are happening. Most people want to ity, accuracy, and real-time aspect set LIT apart from and implement marketing strategies, provide strate- go out and grab a drink as statistics show that over 80% anything we have ever seen. gic feedback and help run any LIT events. Lastly, they of college students across America drink alcohol. The Another really cool aspect of the app is the commu- have been in touch with some celebrities to promote the average male freshman, according to the Core Institute, nity it creates through a social network. The app has platform. As LIT grows, they are looking for seed in- which surveyed 33,379 undergrads on 53 U.S. cam- built into it a strategic game that encourages users to vestment to help acquire users and incentivize activity puses in 2005, consumes 7.39 drinks a week. But there constantly use the app. The more active the user, the because the app is based on user feedback. Since LIT is a consistent problem that arises when students try bigger a party animal the user becomes which gets them needs a concentrated amount of people using it at the to go out and have a fun time. They don’t know where apparel and discounts at local venues. Everyone starts same time for it to be effective, it needs to have motiva- the best venues are and how to best spend their money off at the rookie level as a cat and can try and reach the tions for users to be active on the app. All the work they on any particular night. One night the party could be at highest status on the app which is represented by a lion. are doing now is laying down the foundation for a very one venue and the next night that same locale is empty. You can compete against your friends to see who the bright looking future for LIT. Girls spend hours in advance texting their friends try- bigger party animal is. This allows users to interact with There are many other aspiring CEO’s and app cre- ing to make plans and constantly updating their social each other and strive to reach their full party animal ators in YU, so Mark wanted to let them know what his media accounts for information about where to go out. potential. The more friends you have on the app allows own experience as a founder and CEO is like. Mark de- A group of guys sometimes show up to bars or clubs and you to see where they are and what they are up to on a scribed to me how he and Avi are accountable for every- are upset that they are the only ones in the whole place given night. This is perfect for that crush a boy might thing going on in the company from user experience, besides for some questionable looking older man in the have on a girl who never notices him or that stalker ex- planning events, hiring ambassadors, figuring out ways corner. The struggle is real! Thanks to LIT we might be boyfriend a girl wants to avoid at all costs. The partying to incentivize activity, and making LIT go viral. There looking at the solution to all of our is a need to constantly be updat- nightlife problems. ing and innovating their app, The CEO and co-founder of this making it more simple and more app is sophomore Mark Weiss, or user friendly. In short, the work as some people know him Mor- doesn’t end. But that’s the nature dechai Weiss. Mark went to the of a startup, you are never done. In Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School order to get their work done, they in Livingston, New Jersey and both cleared their schedules last upon graduation in 2014 he went summer and didn’t plan anything straight to Yeshiva University. He for this summer in order to com- is in the Rennert Entrepreneurial pletely devote themselves to the Institute and plans to major in Ac- app. Although he is sacrificing his counting and the Entrepreneurial summer, he also spoke about what Program. He co-founded the app a blessing it was and how much with his friend since middle school, fun he was having getting the Avi Jerushalmy. Avi is currently a chance to work with a childhood junior at Binghamton majoring in friend. Some of their hard work is History and serves as the COO of about to come to fruition as they the company. The LIT team con- are working on their website, Igot- sists of three other partners who lit.com, which he ensured will be help run the business and legal state of the art. sides of things. The two co- found- I asked Mark to share with me ers were inspired to create the app some insights about being an en- when they realized that partying trepreneur and pursuing his ambi- was extremely inefficient. Students tions. The first piece of advice he like themselves were wasting a lot conveyed to me was: how impor- of time and money at terrible ex- tant it is to speak with experts and pensive parties which they didn’t experienced people in the industry enjoy. It was impossible to find out real time informa- community on the LIT app will go stronger and help the who have done it before you. Odds are that you will run tion about a venue and if the hype and potential of a app become even more effective once more and more into the same mistakes and problems others have run scene was real. About a year ago they started research- users hop on board. into, but if they figured it out they can help you avoid or ing the industry, problems, as well as what it takes to Bars and clubs, and students, were both very recep- overcome any similar challenges. He spoke extremely bring an app to market. After doing their due diligence tive to the platform when it was pitched. In fact, LIT highly of Dean Michael Strauss, Head of the Honors and developing an understanding of the partying mar- received over 200 campus requests to try and bring LIT Entrepreneur Program, who has helped Mark tremen- ket and mobile app business they were ready to build to their campus. Mark stressed their biggest focus is to dously and always has an open door policy, no matter their party app. make sure college students are having a good time. They what time or hour you email or want to speak with him. LIT is a mobile application that allows users to find launched the app this spring semester at Binghamton His guidance has been a big part of their success and the optimal venue to spend nights out with friends. How and Rutgers to test the market and gauge how students can be an extremely important resource for other en- does it work? According to its official description: “LIT and business owners would react to their platform. trepreneurs. revolutionizes the nightlife of college students and the They recently launched their app at West Virginia, the A second big thing Mark emphasized was time man- older millennial crowd by giving them a real-time look number one party school in America according to the agement. He said there are no vacations and you need at everything happening in their area including an in- Princeton Review. They want to continue this and ex- to always be working if you want your dream to become teractive map intuitively exhibiting which venue is the pand to many other large state schools across America. a reality. He hates the words “good enough” because “hottest” and quick-look “party stats” showing them if They have future goals to have a majority of students products can always be better. Complacency truly is the the party is at its peak crowd, if their friends are there, across American campuses be on the LIT platform. biggest barrier to innovation. There is so much to do, and more. Our mission is to provide real-time and ac- Mark and his team are extremely busy at work trying improve on, and accomplish in addition to personal and curate information as well as a simple user experience.” to turn their vision of LIT into reality. They are focus- academic obligations, it seems that there isn't enough The app works if you’re at an official LIT campus. The ing their efforts on social media marketing and meeting time in a day. Also, don’t panic at the first set back. interactive map of a given area will allow you to get the with frats and sororities as well as other campus influ- Nothing happens overnight and Rome wasn’t built in scoop of what is happening and where it’s happening, as encers. They have hosted LIT Events, where they host a one day! A lot of times you think everyone is going to the night unfolds. Users have the ability to rate various party at a bar or frat. To enter you are required to have run to your product with the same excitement and en- characteristics of the venue including crowd, door, cov- downloaded the app, and inside they have branded par- thusiasm that you have. The truth is that the market er charge, and music in addition to how many of your aphernalia all around the venue. Their LIT Events have is more similar to a crying baby, you don’t know what friends are there. The real time information points you been extremely successful in raising brand awareness it wants but you need to keep trying until you satisfy where to go based on the partying communities’ experi- and ensuring a good time for everyone who attended the it. These pieces of advice have been the key to Mark’s ences and feedback, not store advertising. You will see party. At the moment they have about 3,000 users on it personal success and could be the key to other aspiring flames on the application’s maps which represent differ- right now. The LIT team has been pairing up with local entrepreneurs at YU.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 24 Business Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776 Clarifying the Financial Crisis: The Banks By Evan Axelrod they focused on the lucratively high rates of inter- leverage the banks were taking was extremely risky, est received from the mortgages. These new products but unfortunately, the banks were indirectly encour- The Big Short, a recent Hollywood movie detailing started to trade like any other financial instrument, aged to pursue high leverage by the government. Fan- the underdogs who bet on the housing collapse and or security. As opposed to a stock or bond which is nie Mae and Freddie Mac, both government backed ensuing recession, has once again refocused society’s basic, or plain vanilla security, banks and insurance private companies, were pushed to promote an in- attention on the financial system and its shortcom- companies started to dabble with more complex, crease in homeownership rates among lower income ings during the Great Recession of 2008. Grossing or exotic instruments. These complex sounding in- demographics. This automatically entailed higher $132 million worldwide since its release, the film struments became a large part of the banks’ balance risk of defaults. Along with low mortgage rates, aver- brings to life Michael Lewis’s depiction of the bril- sheets over the 1990’s and into the 2000’s. To sum it age Americans were enticed by the little restrictions liant men who “went short (bet against) the global all up, with the globalization of the world economy put on new types of mortgages. Many people bought financial system.” and the complexity of the derivatives market, few re- houses using adjustable rate mortgages or teaser What did these underdog investors see, which alized what the effects of a potential downturn in the rates that they would not be able to afford if mortgage economists and government regulators missed? housing market would have on the underlying value rates rose. While most of America was blind to all On a larger scale, what impact did this crisis have of these instruments, and the grave consequences a of these flaws within the housing market, the under- on the global banking system? In order to answer downturn would have on financial markets. dog investors in The Big Short seized on the housing these questions, we must ex- bubble. They did the unthink- amine what instigated the cri- able and bet directly against sis. Most people who watched the housing market, the heart the film would offer answers of the American economy. such as “subprime mortgag- In 2007, with the banks’ es,” “CDO’s,” or “derivatives.” balance sheets at record highs These were, indeed, some of and the market for credit the reasons why the entire fi- default swaps growing daily, nancial system almost came banks and insurance compa- crashing down during the eco- nies of all sizes, many of them nomically grim years of 2007- levered up, became intercon- 2009. For those who aren’t nected in this complex web of familiar with these terms be- derivatives contracts. The im- cause they didn’t see the movie pact of all these firms being or (spoiler alert!) didn’t pay at- connected was that if an un- tention to the film using Selena usual event took place and one Gomez to describe these terms, firm had too big of a loss on here’s a rundown. its contracts and couldn’t pay Starting in the early-mid up, a domino effect would oc- 1990’s, the world, particularly cur leaving all firms affected by the United States, started to the one insolvent party. Soon experience positive trends in enough, the unusual event, a GDP (global production), job drop in housing prices, became creation, low inflation and all a reality. As mortgage rates the good things that go along went up, so did the defaults on with these conditions, includ- many home mortgages. A lot of ing a stock market boom. Lib- the loans the banks made were ertarians and Republicans losing value. As a result of the might attribute the boom to high leverage, the losses were lesser government regulation magnified and then liquidity originating during the Reagan adminis- "FEW REALIZED WHAT THE EFFECTS OF A (cash available to pay back debts) start- tration. Others might credit the success POTENTIAL DOWNTURN IN THE HOUSING ed to dry up at the big banks. As losses to the proliferation of technology and to mounted, the investment bank Bear the increasingly global economy which MARKET WOULD HAVE ON THE UNDERLYING Stearns fell in early 2008 and Lehman resulted in higher trade output for many VALUE OF THESE INSTRUMENTS, AND THE GRAVE Brothers famously followed in Septem- developed countries. Regardless of the ber. Many mortgage and insurance com- exact cause, people were happy, espe- CONSEQUENCES A DOWNTURN WOULD HAVE ON panies similarly collapsed. AIG, one of cially the ones who had invested in the the biggest global insurance companies, stock market. Although there were some THE FINANCIAL MARKETS." had to be bailed out by the government bumps in the road, corporate earnings to the amount of $85 billion. and global growth were on the rise. As As the dust settled, new regulation was conditions consistently improved, the providers of In addition to the banks pushing these reckless prepared. Banks were going to have to answer for a capital, the banks, got a little too giddy. With govern- mortgages, another major contributor to the melt- lot of their risky dealings during the boom years. The ment encouragement, they attempted to boost or in- down was a concept known as leverage. In other most impactful piece of regulations was the Dodd- flate homeownership rates for minorities and low in- words, many of the big investment banks (think Frank Wall Street Reform Act of 2010, especially sec. come borrowers, which would lead to higher revenue Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stan- 619, the Volcker Rule. This rule forced banks to re- from the loan interest. They executed this by relaxing ley, etc.) used debt (borrowing) to buy new assets, think how to replace much of their profits made dur- their loan quality discretion so that they could pro- instead of just using profits received from regular ing the boom years. vide more loans to people. However, it wasn’t only business operations. This allowed for them to put To understand the Volcker Rule, it helps to gain the government and private sector that acted negli- less money down for a higher dollar amount of as- familiarity with legislation that came about from an gently. Consumers also became irresponsibly aggres- sets, since the debt covered most of their purchases. earlier economic crisis, The Great Depression. After sive, buying houses they couldn’t afford, hoping that If those assets rose in value, the banks’ profits would the Depression, Congress passed the Glass-Steagall they could sell it for a premium a year or two later. be significantly higher relative to their initial invest- Act, which barred banks from engaging in stock trad- This created a real estate bubble. Housing prices kept ment, but if the value went the other way, the cost ing. To put it simply, banks would be disallowed from going up but without any real fundamental reason for of borrowing would be much higher than the invest- trading using their customer’s deposits. Instead, they it. ment. In response, the bank would have to sell off would have to choose between becoming a commer- Banks started to experiment with the creation of other assets to pay back the loans used to execute the cial banking operation or investment banking opera- new financial instruments using a process known as leverage. tion. (Think your local bank branch in town versus securitization. The technical details of these instru- Leverage allowed banks, for instance Lehman the big skyscrapers in New York City.) This act was ments and the process of securitization are complex. Brothers, to hold assets worth $691 billion while in place for 66 years but was repealed in 1999, open- Securitization is basically the following: banks pur- only having a shareholder’s equity (amount they in ing the floodgates for financial firms to bank on (pun chased individual residential loans or mortgages, actuality own) of $22 billion in 2007, an astounding intended) bigger profits with their newly accessible packaged them together into a MBS (the Mortgage debt-to-equity ratio of 31 to 1. As the housing mar- client capital. Backed Security is a derivative, in other words it’s ket rode higher, more and more of these leveraged Similar to the Glass-Steagall Act, the Volcker Rule value is based off the performance of an underlying instruments were mortgage-intensive insurance con- set up restrictions on banks to engage in proprietary entity- for example a mortgage), then sold them to tracts. The premiums from these insurance contracts trading, or using the bank’s own money for direct “sophisticated” investors, and collected on fees. In- were seen as easy money, as almost no one saw a sig- gain from securities. Preventing prop trading would vestors purchased these instruments often with little nificant decline in the housing market as a real risk. SEE CRISIS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 due diligence on the quality of the loans. Instead, In reality, even in any environment, the kind of

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Business 25 YU Alumnus Running for Congress By Adam Kramer a title and those for whom their leadership “comes and every week has a different style. This past week’s from a sincere wanting to get something done or see challenge was finalizing the signatures that candi- As a Yeshiva University alumnus running for Con- something better in the world.” In this sense, Rosen- dates need to file to be added to a state’s ballot. In gress in New York’s 10th District, Oliver Rosenberg berg quoted Gandhi who once said “Be the change New York State congressional races, you need 1,250 already has a unique story to tell. And, when coupled you want to see in the world,” and remarked that it’s signatures, but the Rosenberg campaign filed with with the rest of his background, namely his partici- also a very Jewish concept. four times more signatures than that. To get these pation in a panel in 2009 on gay people in Orthodox Rosenberg’s first memory of stepping up to get signatures, the campaign utilized a whole volunteer Judaism, his employment as an investment banker at something done was during his time at YU. He saw operation. JP Morgan specializing in renewable energy, found- that fellow students in Syms were having trouble get- These volunteers work together with Rosenberg, ing a Jewish congregation for LGBTQ people and his ting internships and jobs, and he realized that the a campaign manager, two people working under the experience starting multiple companies, he’s truly alumni network needed to be leveraged much more campaign manager, and a campaign strategist. The a fascinating candidate and person. Its this back- extensively to reach this goal. He ran for president, campaign is looking to add people too. ground--of which Rosenberg views YU as a major wanting to bring new ideas to the school, one of Rosenberg likened his campaign to “operating part and catalyst--that is critical to his story, and un- which was a gala dinner for over 600 people. Against a lean tech startup. At first you’re trying to keep derstanding both his decision to run for office and the wishes of the school, Rosenberg approached the costs down, and you want to move fast, and it’s peo- his positions as a candidate. board of directors directly, to try and secure the ple coming together to work together, who haven’t Rosenberg grew up in Los Angeles and attended necessary funding for a gala dinner and networking worked together before, and every day is just go, go, Yeshivat Sha’arei Mevaseret Zion before attending event. The board agreed to the plan and gave the nec- go. Because of the time frame, it doesn’t really allow YU. He graduated from YU in 2007 with a degree essary seed money, and the first annual Syms dinner, you to plan as much, and so it’s really just about do- in Finance, and began working at a utility company which coincided with the 20th anniversary of Syms, ing something, learning from what happened, iterat- called Sempra Energy. He worked in Connecticut took place. The dinner raised a profit of $150,000 ing, and acting again.” for Sempra’s credit division, which was responsible which they earmarked for future student-alumni For Rosenberg, leveraging his tech background for lending to small businesses that needed fund- dinners. The dinners continue to this day. It is very isn’t just important in building out his staff and en- ing for their business. Rosenberg received a promo- much through this light that Rosenberg launched his suring that they all operate like a tech startup--it’s tion right before the 2008 financial crisis, and also his essence as a candidate. In his own was responsible for reducing the company’s words, “I’d like to think of my campaign as overall risk and exposure to companies like fresh, young, energetic, tech-savvy, and it's Lehman Brothers, at a time when big banks important that in Congress we have millennial like that were going down. The Sempra Com- voices, and also just like voices that understand modities division was acquired by RBS, which the tech world and the new economy and social subsequently had its own trouble and became media.” government owned, so they put up the Sempra As was mentioned earlier, Rosenberg was division for sale. JP Morgan stepped in to pur- one of four speakers on a panel at YU in 2009 chase it, but only took 20-25% of the company on gay people in Orthodox Judaism. The event with them. With JP Morgan, Rosenberg first was organized by JQY, a social and support managed a portfolio of clients who were in the group for young frum gay Jews, and through ethanol business, which at the time was a popu- the great efforts of its founder Mordechai Le- lar form of alternative energy. Later on, his job vovitz. Reflecting on the event, Rosenberg re- involved financing power and energy compa- called that YU had to change the event space nies and projects, and he had the opportunity 3-4 times before they settled on having it in to work on financing wind power projects in Weissberg Commons in Belfer Hall. Even about 7-8 states. Rosenberg relates that his last though hundreds of seats were set up, and the year and a half working on renewable energy rest of the room was packed with people stand- was the most intense time in his professional ing up, there were still hundreds of people experience, and was a big contrast from the standing outside who couldn’t even fit into the entrepreneurial culture of Sempra. It included room. “It was very fascinating for me, because many late nights--Rosenberg said there were it showed that even though Rabbis at the time probably fifty nights in 2012 when he was at the were still very challenged by what to say, by the office there past 1:00am. Looking back on his place of gay people in the community, but there time at JP Morgan, Rosenberg related that one was a very strong desire to hear about this from of the most important things he learned at JP the students.” was getting things done. Rosenberg was dismayed that there was a In September of 2012, Rosenberg left his job lot of backlash in the days after the event, but at JP Morgan and moved back to LA where he in hindsight, that backlash paled in compari- totally switched gears professionally. He con- son to some of the positives that emerged from sulted for two hospitals, which gave him the op- the event. For example, Rosenberg recounted portunity to see how the business side of hos- that there were rabbis in the crowd who in the pitals runs, and where he could help them cut weeks after the event, put out divrei Torah and costs and be more efficient. He also started a small entrepreneurial ventures. led other campaigns calling for inclusivity for LGBTQ software company called UrgentCalm, which devel- Rosenberg made it abundantly clear how much in the Jewish community. Furthermore, around that oped software to help improve the emergency room value he places on leadership and doing good for fel- time, previous organizations were remade into the experience. low people and the larger community. Another value organization Eshel, which has provided a lot of re- After a year though, Rosenberg wanted to move he holds dear is Shabbos, and he touched on his shab- sources for LGBTQ people, including many shabba- back to New York. He approached a few potential bos observance as well as his general religious beliefs tons and other events. Rosenberg believes that there buyers to gauge their interest in purchasing Urgent and practices. In Rosenberg’s own words, “I view are more people who are remaining observant or Calm, but ultimately pushed the project to the side. myself as very modern orthodox. Some might call it somewhat observant than there were before. “People With his next venture, he wanted to impact people di- very modern orthodox, some might call it very tradi- can be gay and have a very positive attitude towards rectly, as opposed to having to work within a frame- tional.” On a practical level, Rosenberg tries to keep Judaism.” work of a hospital and trying to affect change there. Shabbos every week. Rosenberg related that Shabbos Rosenberg is also the founder of Or Chayim, a tra- Rosenberg moved back to NY and took a few observance is especially difficult these days, since ditional/Orthodox Jewish congregation for LGBTQ months to utilize some of the resources in the New his campaign office is actually his house. Rosenberg people and allies, which he founded after seeing a York startup scene, and plan his next venture, Pre- mentioned a story that a few weeks ago late on Friday need and wanting to fill the niche. This niche consist- alth. Prealth, which stands for Prices of Health, is an afternoon, Shabbos was about to start so he had to ed of people who grew up religious or traditional, or app that lists healthcare options for consumers and ask all his campaign workers to leave his house. And people who just wanted a traditional Shabbos experi- compares prices. Rosenberg explained that he’s very then around five minutes before Shabbos ended, they ence, and for a multitude of reasons, wouldn’t feel motivated to work for companies and on projects all started streaming back into his apartment to get comfortable in a liberal denomination of Judaism. So that contribute to society in some way. His work at back to work. He added that with the craziness, he though they’re LGBTQ and there might not be a place JP certainly fits into this paradigm as he was work- didn’t end up saying havdala until around 11:00pm where they feel comfortable, they want to be Jewish. ing extensively on alternative energy, and his startup that night. Or Chayim is allowing people to enjoy Shabbos while projects also fit into this realm as well. Though it might be a little unorthodox having a being comfortable. He believes this drive to help society began during home double as a campaign headquarters, this is ac- In around two years of existence, with minyan his time at YU. He illustrated this through discussing tually one of the most concrete parts of the campaign once a month on Friday night, they’ve had over 400 how he sees and understands leadership. He believes for Rosenberg. For his campaign, there’s no such that there are two types of leaders, those who covet thing as an average day; each day has different events SEE ROSENBERG, CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 26 Business Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan 5776

ROSENBERG, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 healthcare--policy areas that Democrats either empha- of his district--which includes various parts of Manhat- size more, or hold positions that align more closely with tan and Brooklyn--that he is in the race and challenges people attend, and they get around 75 people on an his. Nadler. Nadler hasn’t been challenged in 20 years, and average Friday night. Rosenberg explained how he Rosenberg believes in fiscal responsibility. He ex- without a primary, there isn’t democracy. Because con- attracts so many people to a niche minyan like Or plained his concerns with where the country is headed gress’ approval rating is so low, there are a lot of people Chayim; “I learned growing up that the best way to economically, and cautioned that even though the un- who want change. This actually pressures the incum- attract people to a minyan is to have cholent and ku- employment is going down and the economy is grow- bent to campaign for people’s vote. gel afterwards. So even though its Friday night, ...we ing, on a real rate, wages aren’t growing so it’s more Looking back on his time at YU, Rosenberg re- have our kiddush hour. And afterwards, for people difficult for people to afford necessities, even if they marked that “I still really believe in YU’s cause of Torah who are interested, we have a shabbat dinner.” are employed. He views small businesses as imperative u’Maddah.” Furthermore, he credits President Richard Rosenberg views this idea of inclusive shabbat to the country’s economic growth, and remarked that Joel with having had a great effect on him. “Richard experiences as critical to the Jewish future, and as a Democrat who believes in small businesses as the Joel was a very inspirational person...it was his first few it’s something that he has worked on, both with Or engine of growth for this country, he believes that “All years, and he had a very broad vision about impacting Chayim, and as a spokesperson for One Table, a non- people should have access to the opportunities to cre- America with Jewish values and I think that that still profit organization that promotes the practice of shab- ate their own small businesses.” We’re living in a time carries a little bit forward with me.” bat dinner for people in the 20s and 30s. Through this where people, specifically minorities, still have trouble One of the themes of this election season has been organization, he’s hosted dinners and coached others securing the necessary funding for their small busi- the political outsider and the success that many such on how to host dinner themselves. nesses, and this is something that Rosenberg wants to outsiders have been having. Donald Trump--who has “Judaism has a very innovative spirit; the concept change. never held political office before, yet is winning the Re- that ten people can create their own minyan.” Rosen- To say that Israel is a policy issue that is dear to publican primary--is the premier example of this phe- berg cited the fact that commu- nomena. I asked Rosenberg nities around the country will "ONE OF THE REASONS I’M RUNNING IS BECAUSE OF THIS if he felt like an outsider, often have shuls that split and and if this is something that new minyanim form as proof of DISASTROUS NUCLEAR DEAL WITH IRAN LAST YEAR.” ROSENBERG could help his campaign. this innovation. “People don’t He responded that he “is an like the cholent at one minyan, SEES THE ISSUE OF IRAN AS ONE THAT ENCAPSULATES HIS outsider that also has expe- so they start their own minyan.” POLICIES IN MULTIPLE AREAS--AS SOMEONE WHO IS BOTH rience.” He cited his experi- Rosenberg felt that at this point ence analyzing energy and in his life, starting his own min- STAUNCHLY PRO-ISRAEL AND AN ADVOCATE FOR GAY RIGHTS, healthcare projects, working yan was the best way for him to in the banking sector, and be able to maintain his Jewish OF WHICH IRAN IS AN EGREGIOUS VIOLATOR." the fact that he’s been learn- observance, and he has helped ing and talking about Israel countless others do the same. Rosenberg’s heart might be an understatement. “I’ve for much of life, as proof of this. As a candidate for political office, Rosenberg also been to Israel like fifteen times, I studied there for a As students, we talk about, research, and then ul- took the time to articulate his positions on various is- year, I interned there for a summer in college. One of timately live out different career paths. The path that sues. “One of the reasons why I’m running is that tens the reasons I’m running is because of this disastrous Oliver Rosenberg has been fascinating and impressive, of millions of Americans--on both sides of the aisle-- nuclear deal with Iran last year.” Rosenberg sees the and depending on how he fares in the upcoming June feel that the American system is completely broken.” issue of Iran as one that encapsulates his policies in primary, could be even more impressive. But even more That we have a broken system shouldn’t come as a sur- multiple areas--as someone who is both staunchly pro- impressive than Rosenberg’s specific list of achieve- prise given Congress’ abysmally low approval rating. Israel and an advocate for gay rights, of which Iran is an ments is the synthesis he has in all that he does. For Rosenberg explained that historically, Congress wasn’t egregious violator. example, his policy positions as a candidate draw upon nearly this partisan. For example, in the 80s, Demo- He mentioned how with Or Chayim, he’s organized experiences he had in his professional career and on his crats worked with the Republican president at the time, support for Israel, all themore impressive given that personal life; his campaign draws upon his experience President Reagan. many synagogues and organizations in the LGBTQ com- in the tech world; his leadership role with Or Chayim In the aforementioned panel, Rosenberg mentioned munity aren’t as vocal in support of Israel, or are even draws upon experiences and changes in his personal in passing that he identified as a Republican. Today, he vocal against Israel. Rosenberg and eighteen other com- life. This synthesis reflects on how much Rosenberg has attributes this to having grown up in a household that munity leaders published a letter last year to Congress- done in his life already, but also that he’s primed to do was politically and religiously conservative. Shortly man Nadler expressing their disdain for the Iran deal so much more in the future. after the panel, and as part of a larger soul searching, and urging him to vote against it. Rosenberg realized that the Democratic Party fit his Rosenberg is taking on a sitting congressman, Jerry ideals far more. Rosenberg explained that this wasn’t Nadler in the democratic primary. Rather than view this only because of his coming out as gay at that time, as insurmountable, Rosenberg is actually energized by but also through his work with renewable energy and this challenge and feels that it is important for citizens

America had to settle for $16 billion. The most recent tal in reserve for those “just-in-case” scenarios. They CRISIS , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 settlement was a $5 billion penalty levied against also can’t act as carelessly as they did pre-crisis as a Goldman Sachs. means of soaking up profits; rather, what banks will keep the banks from taking too much risk on their Looking forward, it is tough to be sure what the fu- need to do is focus on their core operations and what own capital. If certain high risk bets went the wrong ture of banking holds, but for the time being, there is really brings value to the economy. This includes way, the government would have to step in again to no question that banks have to keep much more capi- providing credit for corporate and individual clients, protect the banks from failing. After being passed in advising companies on corporate 2013, the Volcker Rule cut off what actions, and making markets for used to be a high profit center for the equity and fixed income products. banks. As the global economy grows, Getting back to my initial ques- banks will be there to provide for tion of what the effect the crisis the capital needs of the people has had on the global banking sys- and companies so that they can tem, although many banks haven’t all reach their financial goals. Re- shrunk in terms of asset size since garding the social perception of the crisis, they’ve had to rethink banks, financial institutions have their business models to respond to to work towards regaining the the new regulation enforced on them public’s trust and show how they by Congress. For example, one of are for the individual’s economic the leading investment banks, Mor- progress along with their own gan Stanley, has beefed up its wealth corporation’s growth. management department by focus- ing more of its resources on wealth management services and by buying out Citigroup’s wealth management arm, Smith Barney. Additionally, banks have also had to put aside money for settlements with the gov- ernment over the misconduct during the crisis. One of the largest settle- ments came in 2014, when Bank of

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, April 18, 2016 - 10 Nissan, 5776 Business 27 Economics, Politics, and the Primary Elections

By Zach Porgess ed their candidates to much success thus far. But who protected bases. Enter Sanders and Trump who did are these Sanders and Trump supporters? There is just that. Forecasting election results based on historical strong anecdotal indication that a good many of them With Hillary and Jeb busily focused on protecting voter turnout has demonstrated little success this are people who did not vote in previous elections. So their near-middle bases, Sanders and Trump spoke election season. Mainstream media has not helped, unsurprisingly, analysts struggled with gaps in their in simple language about changing the status quo to and its integrity continues to decline because of in- previously reliable demographic patterns. Interpo- people who didn’t care to comprehend the incom- creasingly obvious political biases. So where does one lating results across demographics proved futile. In- prehensible policy-speak of the front running candi- turn to for clarity? The YU Commentator, of course. sufficient empirical data resulted in inaccurate fore- dates. Using plain language, they attracted a follow- This article examines what’s really driving the shock- casts of primary results and candidate viability. But ing that has at times appeared viral. ing primary results we’ve witnessed thus far, and in the process of being wrong, we learned that this Sanders’ emergence as a viable candidate with a what the candidates’ positioning on economic policy election is less about who people vote for than who base even further left than Hillary puts her in a pre- portends for the general election. and how many people vote. We learned the obvious: carious position. She expected the primary battle to As the primaries continue to unfold, it’s become we can’t accurately predict voting patterns of people be little more than a necessary formality that would clear that we don’t understand voters as well as we who have not previously voted. For polls predicting be over months ago, allowing her to completely focus did in previous elections. Traditional assumptions continued success for Trump and Sanders to come on her Republican competition in the general elec- about voters have proven invalid, but tion. Further, her long-standing game one central premise does remain true: plan presumed the Republican candi- domestic economic policy trumps for- "TO EXPLAIN THE RISE OF THESE TWO date to be from the establishment--if eign policy in elections. Yes, we fear not Jeb, then Marco Rubio or someone terror and are concerned about foreign CANDIDATES, ONE HAS TO LOOK THROUGH A of his ilk. conflicts, and we care deeply about the WIDER LENS WHICH INCLUDES ANGER OVER As a result of these two develop- victims and refugees these conflicts ments, Hillary has to simultaneously produce. But our tangible fears center TRADITIONAL POLITICAL CANDIDATES AND THEIR balance two tasks. On the one hand, around having a job that enables us she has appeal to voters outside her to provide our family with food, shel- ECONOMIC POLICIES, AS WELL AS THE ECONOMIC left-center base--a difficult proposition ter, clothing, and education, and to POLICIES OF PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS." in and of itself given her track record put some money away for an uncer- and strong alignment with the current tain future. Immigration, foreign administration’s policies and her as- policy, and defense policy gain sociation with Wall Street bankers importance as viewed through an who are bankrolling her campaign, economics lens. How are defense at least according to Sanders. And dollars best spent? How does im- if that isn’t difficult enough, it’ll migration policy impact employ- risk alienating the political middle- ment? How do we maintain our -many of whom reside in the battle- global standing without increas- ground states that decide presiden- ing our overwhelming national tial elections. On the other hand, debt? Hillary has to keep a close eye on the The traditional political spec- Republican circus and plan for mul- trum of liberal and conserva- tiple scenarios in the general elec- tive ideologies is a disagreement tion, since she could face Trump, over the balance between indi- Ted Cruz, John Kasich, or perhaps vidual rights and the power of a different candidate altogether if a the government. Democrats and brokered Republican convention re- Republicans differ in their ap- sults in the nomination of a different proaches of how best to achieve candidate. this balance in an equitable way But interestingly, the heated to “insure domestic tranquility, battle has kept Cruz and Kasich re- provide for common defense, peating their original economic pol- promote the general welfare, icy positions, while Trump has been and secure the blessings of lib- consistent in his willingness to say erty.” The difference between pretty much anything at anytime to the two parties with regards to anyone without the burden of ex- economic policy fits right into plaining how he will do what he says this paradigm as well, and it he will do. That’s exactly why many revolves around a disagreement over how best to true, it is these “people who don’t normally vote” who of his backers support him, and they love it when the achieve a balance of equality and efficiency. Put sim- will have to continue showing up at the ballots in pri- mainstream media flails trying to get him to explain ply, equality is about distribution of resources across maries and eventually in the general election. anything. Other than the occasional barb hurled Clin- society, while efficiency focuses on optimal produc- But how do we understand these “people who don’t ton’s way, the three Republican candidates’ rhetoric tion and resource allocation. Democrats believe in a normally vote” in light of the two parties’ economic has not swayed much since the start of the prima- strong government that needs to take an active role policies? Presumably, if you’re a fiscal Republican, ries. So ironically, whoever emerges from Cleveland in creating jobs, paying for social programs such as you’d be happy to vote for any Republican candidate, as the Republican candidate may in fact be stronger healthcare, and raising taxes on citizens to pay for establishment candidates like Jeb Bush or Marco because of the circus from which he emerges. these programs. The result is a system that empha- Rubio included. And if you believe in the Democrat’s When looking at, and planning ahead for, the sizes equality--it’s the government’s job to ensure economic policies, you’d coalesce around Hillary general election, the most important number is the income equality for all. Conservative policy empha- Clinton. So why have people gravitated so strongly aforementioned roughly 40% of eligible voters who sizes government efficiency and enabling citizens to to Trump and Sanders? To explain the rise of these have not bothered to vote in previous elections. How achieve greater wealth through increased autonomy, two candidates, one has to look through a wider lens many of these voters emerged from their silence only less regulation, less government spending, and lower which includes anger over traditional political candi- because they support either Sanders’ or Trump’s taxes. The idea relies on providing greater incentive dates and their economic policies, as well as the eco- plain-speak economic policies? Will they retreat to work, which in turn results in greater productivity, nomic policies of previous presidents. back into their cocoons if their candidate is not the idea creation, and increased opportunity for every- Prevailing consensus, up until this election, stat- nominee, or will they vote for one of the other candi- one. Further, it increases competition, which results ed that general elections would always come down dates? Or perhaps they may vote for the other party’s in optimal resource production, thus creating eco- to a traditional Democrat versus an establishment candidate simply because of their disdain of how the nomic growth. Republican. (Left-leaning Hillary Clinton against a government operates today, with any drastic change It seems simple enough--people should vote for right-leaning opponent, with Jeb Bush as the likely being better than the status quo. For many of these the party that has the policy they favor more. But frontrunner). Both Hillary and Jeb made important people, their vote will be an anti-vote--anyone but how does the difference in policy explain the events decisions up front to focus on protecting their po- the other candidate. Our next President will be de- of this current election, namely the rise of Bernie litical bases rather than spending money and effort cided by how many people energized by Sanders or Sanders and Donald Trump? The answer is that it ex- trying to expand their bases. This decision was im- Trump will show up at the voting booth even if their tends beyond just this difference in policy between portant because it dictated their economic policy po- candidate is not on the slate, and who will get their the two parties. sitions as comfortably near the political middle. But vote. That’s at least as good a prediction as the media Supporters of these two candidates have seemingly these decisions created an opening for a candidate experts have been able to put forward. emerged out of nowhere and have staunchly support- (or two in this case) to appeal to those outside these

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG